Teaching colleagues from across the University have launched a new educator-led forum to share good practice and provide support.
The group – which is open to anyone with an interest in teaching at Newcastle – will hold its inaugural meeting on 27th January.
This first EDUBITES session will include a talk on ‘Supporting Reflective Practice’ by Dr James Field (Dental Sciences) and will include lunch.
Although the group has existed in a range of guises in recent years (Teaching Fellows Forum, NUTS Forum), this year’s coordinators are determined to provide a space for the support and discussion of teaching practice and teaching staff across the University.
The group is run by teaching staff for teaching staff and organisers are drawn from across the three faculties; James Field (Dental Sciences), Sara Marsham (Marine Sciences), JC Penet (Modern Languages), Phil Ansell (Maths and Stats.), Lindsey Ferrie (Biomedical Sciences) and Katie Wray (SAgE Faculty).
The group is partially funded by a grant from Pro-VC for Learning and Teaching, Suzanne Cholerton.
Sara said: ‘We really started it as a space for Teaching Fellows and other early career teaching staff to support each other and answer each other’s teaching related questions and queries.’
‘It can often be intimidating to come into a department and start teaching, and quite isolating too.’
‘Early career or new colleagues don’t necessary want to ask more senior staff when they’re unsure or worried about something, so we want to create an informal space for them to raise those queries, get advice from others, and share good practice.’
Although the origins of the group were around the establishment of teaching-only roles in the University, all colleagues are welcome to attend the sessions.
‘We hope everyone will be happy to come along, find out what is happening across the campus, and even propose a session to share their ideas and their practice.’
The meeting takes place on Wednesday 27th January, 12-1 in Bedson Rm 1.19. To register, fill out this form.
To find out more, or to propose a session email: educators@ncl.ac.uk.