Learning and Teaching Conference 2020

University holds successful Virtual Learning and Teaching Conference

Our Learning and Teaching summer 2020 conference went virtual this year, with a record attendance of over 160 delegates. This year, the conference theme was ‘Learning and Teaching for Wellbeing’.

Professor. Jonathan Glazzard, from Leeds Beckett University, gave the keynote speech on ‘Supporting students' multiple and multidimensional transitions into and through higher education’. This was followed by seven presentations from colleagues on case studies and themes relating to wellbeing, including enhancing students’ cohort identity through informal gatherings, focusing on students and staff emotional wellbeing, the role of movement for mental health, fostering a sense of belonging for BAME students and supporting foundation Year students’ integration with the “Life and Study” module.

Recording of Session 1

1. “MA gatherings: writing, workshopping and wellbeing” - Dr Sonia Overall and Peggy Riley
2. “Together apart: nurturing inclusive, accessible and diverse connections within the Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) community during COVID-19” - Ange-la Richmond-Fuller, BEd, MAQ&A and Discussion
3. ”Getting to know each other through breakfast—A cohort leader’s method of facilitating group belonging within a cohort” - Joan Lawrence
4. “Can BAME students thrive when they feel alienated? - Importance of fostering a sense of belonging for BAME students at all levels” - Edith Lewis

Recording of Session 2

1. “Movement and mental health—the ‘new norm’ of online movement” - Dr Kristy Howells
2. “Life and Study—Embedding wellbeing in the curriculum” - Dr Martin Watts, Rev Dr Jeremy Law, Lucie Duncan, Mark Campbell (Foundation Year student)
3. “A sense of belonging: finding new norms for wellbeing through partnership spaces” - Wendy Cobb

The lively discussions in the chat rooms were a testimony to colleagues’ engagement with the topic, and early evaluation shows that colleagues have found the conference valuable for their own practice, with one saying: “I was impressed by the engagement and discussions-very productive”. They have also felt that using the virtual environment of Blackboard Collaborate has had a positive impact, as noted by a participant: “I felt more connected, and was able to engage more than in a face-to-face conference”. The organising team will therefore consider using similar means in the future.

With many thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you in 2021.

Previous Learning and Teaching Conferences

Summer 2018, Summer 2019