Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons^™

An External Perspective On The Uem, Catherine Cronin

Group Reports

This report provides feedback on TU Dublin’s University Education Model (UEM) from an external perspective. The report details engagement with the UEM team over several months during the academic year 2023-24 and provides feedback on the model, including recommendations for dealing with potential obstacles to progress and implementation.

Learner Assembly Spring Report 2024, Barry J. Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This paper outlines the strategic vision of Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) to position learners as central partners in their university experience. Through its Strategic Intent, TU Dublin is dedicated to creating transformational educational opportunities that inspire, support, and develop learners to achieve their full potential. This vision is realised through the University Education Model that integrates research-informed and practice-based learning to promote academic excellence. A key initiative in this strategy is the establishment of a Learner Assembly, a gathering of students representing the university’s diversity to discuss important topics. Unlike a student representative body, the Learner Assembly serves as …

Tu Dublin Learner Assembly Framework, Barry J. Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This report presents the development and implementation of the TU Dublin Learner Assembly Framework, designed to foster an equitable partnership between learners and the university. The Learner Assembly aims to bring together a diverse group of learners to discuss strategic topics relevant to both the student body and the institution. The framework was developed through collaboration with key university stakeholders and is guided by principles of autonomy, agency, advising, advocacy, and accountability. The pilot phase, conducted across three campuses, highlighted the benefits of student engagement, and identified areas for improvement. Recommendations for future assemblies include enhanced recruitment strategies, formalising governance …

Actioning Fundamental One, Towards A Streamlined Module Portfolio For Tu Dublin, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan, Fionnuala Darby

Group Reports

This paper has been developed to specifically to support actioning of UET Fundamental 1, streamlining the TU Dublin module portfolio, itself a key immediate action to realise the UEM, and is based on the Actioning the Brief document. It is also a response to academic staff contributions to the UEM "Engaging Workshops," which highlighted the need for a comprehensive "stocktake" and mapping exercise of existing modules to gain a clear understanding of the current module portfolio.

Piloting Of Specific Common Tools In Support Of Digital And Online Learning, Orlin Marinov, Karlis Valtins, Janina Fengel, K.C. O'Rourke, Lubomir Dimitrov, Rossen Radonov

Conference Proceedings

This publication is an insightful exploration into the evolving landscape of digital and online learning, with a specific focus on the pilot testing and implementation of innovative educational tools. It aims to critically assess the effectiveness of these tools in enhancing the educational experience and the overall learning outcomes in digital environments.

This manuscript is particularly relevant for educators, education technologists, policymakers, and scholars interested in the advancement of digital education. It serves as a pivotal resource, providing valuable insights into the utilization and effectiveness of digital tools in education. The publication's contribution to academic scholarship is significant, offering a …

The University Education Model Collection 2024: “A University Way Of Being”, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

The University Education Model (UEM) revolutionises our approach to education; this approach is grounded in transformative learning opportunities and experiences for all. The UEM is central to the TU Dublin Strategic Intent, which itself is informed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in the case of the UEM, SDG 4 Quality Education. Embedding the UEM into our practice, processes and culture will empower TU Dublin to cater for the largest number of diverse learners, producing the most sought after, digitally literate, graduates.

The central focus of UEM are our learners, grounded in the three components that comprise the …

Student Advising: Integrating An Academic And Holistic Approach At Tu Dublin, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This discussion paper explores the integration of holistic advising at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) through a shared model approach. It emphasises the importance of student advising in enhancing student success, retention, and social integration. The paper aligns student advising with TU Dublin’s strategic intent and the University Education Model (UEM) Guiding Principles, advocating for a comprehensive support system that addresses diverse student needs. It reviews various advising methods, including prescriptive, developmental, and intrusive advising, and highlights the benefits of a strengths-based approach. The paper also examines international and national examples of effective advising practices and proposes a holistic, integrated …

Uem Engaging Workshops: A University Perspective, Shaun Ferns, Fionnuala Darby, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This report provides a comprehensive account of the University Education Model Team facilitated 'Engaging Workshops' that focused on the 7 Fundamentals from the University Executive Team (UET) Brief. The report is a meta review of each Schools' 'Engaging Workshop' synopsis, detailed through a University and Faculty lens. It demonstrates an enhanced understanding of the University Education Model (UEM), in particular the 7 Fundamentals, amongst University staff. It also details the challenges staff have identified, along with specific opportunities, and notes their suggested next steps for UEM implementation.

Mobilising Timetabling At Tu Dublin: The Uem Perspective, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan, Fionnuala Darby

Group Reports

This discussion paper provides guidance on developing a learner-centred timetabling policy at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) to support the University Education Model (UEM) and align with the university’s Strategic Intent. The primary goal is to enhance the learner experience by optimising resource use to facilitate engagement, choice, and flexibility. Key features of a learner-centred timetable include learner choice, flexibility, transparency, feedback, and collaboration. The paper outlines the benefits of streamlining module portfolio and offering multi-modal delivery formats to maximise resource utilisation and learner agency. It also presents design principles for timetabling, emphasising accessibility, timely publication, and stakeholder collaboration. The …

Pan University Modules (Uem Discussion Paper), Barry J. Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This discussion paper outlines the development and implementation of TU Dublin’s Pillar Modules, designed to enhance the university’s educational model and align with its Strategic Intent to 2030. The Pillar Modules, categorised under People, Planet, and Partnership, aim to provide a unique and interdisciplinary learning experience that embodies the university’s vision and values. The paper details the principles of Pillar Modules, including their role in promoting equity, sustainability, and digital literacy. It explores various options for integrating these modules into the existing curriculum, emphasising the need for resource restructuring and interdisciplinary collaboration. The document also discusses the potential for expanding …

University Education Model: Overview, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

The University Education Model (UEM) at TU Dublin is a transformative approach to education, designed to provide meaningful learning experiences that support the diverse needs of learners. Grounded in the university’s Strategic Intent and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the UEM focuses on three key components: Learner Support, Learner Choice, and Learner Experience. These components work synergistically to foster growth, personal development, and societal contribution. The UEM creates an inclusive and sustainable learning environment where learners and staff can thrive, enabling TU Dublin to produce digitally literate graduates who are equipped to positively impact society …

Uem Insight Student And Staff Perspectives On 'Reimagining Education' Using Sensemaker®, Eileen Quinn, Martin Dillon, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This document presents insights from a SenseMaker® study conducted at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) to gather student and staff perspectives on “Reimagining Education.” The study involved 358 participants, including students, alumni, staff, and external stakeholders, who shared their experiences and interpreted them through a series of triad questions. The findings highlight key themes such as the importance of social aspects, support systems, and learning environments. Students emphasised the value of equitable and growth-oriented learning environments, while staff focused on exposure to new ideas and creating a life worth living. The study underscores the alignment of these perspectives with the …

Game Design Learning: Understanding And Supporting The Game Design Process In Higher Education, John Healy

Theses

This thesis presents a study of the game design process in higher education. The PhD research makes several contributions to the field by developing a model of game design learning through the analysis of qualitative data and creating a number of learning supports informed by this model. The research also proposes the signature pedagogy of game design learning as the studio project and explores the relationship between game design and other design disciplines. These contributions advance the understanding and practice of game design education, benefiting researchers, educators, and designers. As the popularity of digital games has grown in the 21st …

Eight Steps To Facilitating More Equitable Education In Undergraduate Sciences, Gintarė Lübeck, Michael K. Seery, Barry J. Ryan

Articles

Pedagogical practices can influence students’ confidence and ability beliefs and affect their ambition to persevere in science. Given the continuing need to diversify science and retain students in scientific programmes, science education must be tailored to cater to the needs of varied student groups. Since early experience in university programmes can be decisive in determining students’ further academic and professional choices, pedagogies employed in undergraduate science courses can be particularly influential in supporting science careers. Undergraduate science instructors are therefore encouraged to consider their approaches to teaching and learning from a variety of perspectives that could help empower students from …

Grassroot Power Of Communities Of Practice – The Case Of Sdg Literacy, Olivia Freeman, Lucia Walsh, Cormac Mcmahon, Alacoque Mcalpine

Other

With emerging consensus on an urgent need to address the potentially catastrophic issues of climate change, threats to the natural world and social injustice, Generation Z is spearheading a quiet revolution, elevating sustainability from desirable to essential. Achievement of the UN SDGs has emerged as a megatrend (Mittelsaedt et al., 2014) and universities are playing a key role in developing graduates’ sustainability knowledge, skills and mindsets (Andrews and Soares, 2017). To empower our students to solve ‘wicked sustainability problems’ (Levin et al., 2012) we, as educators, need to move beyond our discipline silos and develop cross-disciplinary collaborations that lead to …

Empowering Responsible And Sustainability-Aware Business Graduates Through Digital Authentic Assessment, Lucia Walsh, Olivia Freeman, Alacoque Mcalpine, Cormac H. Macmahon

Conference papers

Business schools must engage in fundamental change to retain their legitimacy and position themselves as providers of solutions to urgent economic, social and environmental crises. Achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has emerged as a megatrend and business education must enhance graduate skills to contribute to their achievement. The world requires the next generation of graduates to become responsible business leaders who will address wicked sustainability problems. Hence, we need pedagogy that enables students to become sustainability literate and thus develop appropriate knowledge, skills and mindsets.

Authentic assessment provides transformative learning opportunities that empower students to achieve meaningful …

Uem Guiding Principle 4 (Excellent, Flexible, Agile Teaching And Learning), Barry Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 4: "Excellent, Flexible, Agile Teaching and Learning." The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated change across the world, including in education, where emergency remote teaching was swiftly implemented to ensure continuity for learners. As the crisis evolved, educators and students sought to integrate beneficial aspects of this remote learning phase into everyday practices. The result was a focus on increased agility and flexibility in teaching, learning, and assessment, driven by technology. This period of disruption presented an opportunity for innovation, allowing educators to explore new modalities for instruction, assessment, and feedback. By embracing these changes, TU Dublin …

Uem Guiding Principle 3 (Diversity Of Provision & Focus On Practice), Shaun Ferns, Barry Ryan, Fionnuala Darby

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 3: "Distinguished by Diversity of Provision and Focus on Practice and Career Development." TU Dublin offers a broad spectrum of educational programmes, including apprenticeships, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies, across five faculties. The university is distinguished by its commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience, fostering strong industry partnerships, and excelling in research with a specific emphasis on practice and career development. Guided by its Strategic Intent (2020), TU Dublin’s practice-based learning approach, supported by research-informed teaching, sets it apart from more traditional universities. Aligned with the National Qualifications Framework, this model supports flexible learning …

Uem Guiding Principle 7 (Inclusive, Global And Multicultural), Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 7: "Inclusive, Global, Multicultural." Immersing a diverse and motivated student population in a global educational community enables learners to become active global citizens. In an increasingly interconnected world, a global learning perspective is essential for understanding nations, cultures, and information in the 21st century and beyond. TU Dublin aims to cultivate graduates who are informed, adaptable, and capable of navigating complex, ever-changing circumstances. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences broadens perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation of diversity and enhancing the ability to work and thrive in a multicultural environment.

Uem Guiding Principle 8 (Continuously Developing, Committed & Caring Staff), Eileen Quinn, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 8: "Continuously Developing Committed and Caring Staff." High-quality staff development is essential to TU Dublin’s success and the success of its learners. Creating a culture of teaching and learning excellence requires staff who are open to growth and development. The UEM emphasises nurturing and supporting staff while adopting people practices that convey care, particularly from leadership. This culture of care has a ripple effect, fostering stronger connections between colleagues and enhancing the learner experience. This principle operates on three interdependent layers of commitment: (i) individual staff development, (ii) staff commitment to TU Dublin’s mission, …

Framework Of Learning Experiences, Barry J. Ryan, Shaun Ferns, Fionnuala Darby

Group Reports

This document outlines the Framework of Learning Experiences (FLE) within the University Education Model (UEM) at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). The FLE is designed to provide transformative and practical learning opportunities that enable learners to achieve their educational and career goals. The framework is built on three interconnected threads: Authentic, Inclusive, and Digital experiences. Each thread is grounded in established pedagogical approaches and extends across the learner’s journey, offering both formal and informal learning experiences. The development of the FLE involved a collaborative and iterative process, utilising a Double Diamond Design approach to ensure the framework meets the diverse …

Uem Guiding Principle 9 (Transitions), Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 9: "Transitions." Educational transitions can be challenging and often require additional support to ensure a smooth progression for learners. Transitions occur not only when learners enter a new phase of their educational journey but also when they exit one. While traditional transitional support focuses on the move from one level of education to the next, transitions can also involve more subtle changes, such as learners taking ownership of their educational path and navigating new roles and responsibilities. One of the most studied transitions is the shift from second-level to third-level education, which has been …

Uem Guiding Principle 1 (Student Centred & Student Engaged), Barry Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 1: "Student-Centred and Student-Engaged for Student Success." The principle highlights the importance of student agency, placing the dynamism and diversity of learners at the core of the university’s educational experience. TU Dublin aims to attract a diverse learner demographic that reflects broader societal diversity. As the learner population evolves, so too does the concept of "student success," which varies according to individual student experiences. By actively engaging and empowering students throughout their educational journey, and supporting their personalised learning choices, TU Dublin cultivates an inclusive environment that allows each student to achieve their full …

Uem Guiding Principle 10 (Access And Equal Opportunity), Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan, Fionnuala Darby

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 10 "Access and Equal Opportunity." It emphasises the need to proactively facilitate equitable access to education for all learners, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By fostering a culture of equality, inclusion, and respect, TU Dublin seeks to create an educational environment that mirrors the diversity of the wider community. This guiding principle aligns with national and international educational policies, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and promotes initiatives like Universal Design for Learning to ensure all students are empowered to succeed. Through strategic support and inclusive practices, TU Dublin aims to enhance learner …

Uem Guiding Principle 2 (Connected, Engaged & Internationalised Curriculum), Barry Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 2: "Connected, Engaged, and Internationalised Curriculum." In today’s highly connected and globalised world, enhanced by technology, the curriculum must be purposefully designed to reflect the environment in which we live, teach, and learn. The curriculum is a cornerstone of higher education, yet its role and implementation have evolved to meet the changing needs of society, learners, and partners. By carefully aligning TU Dublin’s values throughout the curriculum and fostering impactful, co-created learning experiences, the university ensures that its educational offerings are relevant, dynamic, and globally engaged. This approach defines the learning experience at TU …

Uem Guiding Principle 5 (Knowledge Creation To Application), Barry Ryan, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 5: "Knowledge – Creation to Application." The establishment of Technological Universities, as outlined in the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 (2011) and the Towards a Future Higher Education Landscape document (2012), was envisioned as critical to meeting the needs of a knowledge-based economy. A core mission of these universities is to enhance excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment, with a strong emphasis on preparing graduates for the world of work. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science's Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 reaffirmed this goal, emphasising the role of higher …

Flexible Learning Pathways Essential, Shaun Ferns, Fionnuala Darby, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This document explores the concept of Flexible Learning Pathways (FLPs) within higher education, emphasising the need for adaptable entry and progression routes to accommodate diverse learner needs. It highlights the global increase in higher education enrolment and the associated challenges, particularly in Ireland, where higher education institutions (HEIs) are planning for a surge in student numbers. The document underscores the importance of FLPs in promoting equity, employability, and efficient resource management. It discusses international and national policies, including the United Nations Education 2030 Agenda and the Irish National Strategy for Education 2030, which advocate for flexible learning systems. The role …

Uem Guiding Principle 6 (Highly Engaged Student Experience), Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This UEM Essential introduces Guiding Principle 6: "Highly Engaged Student Experience." Learner engagement is fundamental to meaningful learning, as it directly impacts both the quality and depth of a learner’s experience. Engagement occurs across cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions, but it is also shaped by interactions with peers, staff, the university, and the broader community. The National Student Engagement Programme (NStEP) identified five core principles of student engagement: Dialogue, Trust, Equity and Inclusivity, Empowerment, and Students as Co-creators. These principles foster collaborative and valued relationships that lead to an enhanced student experience. TU Dublin aligns this engagement with its strategic …

Circlet Guide For Facilitators: Online Continuing Professional Development Module: Embedding Community Engaged Research And Learning In Higher Education Curricula, Catherine Bates, Sinead Mccann, Caroline Mcgowan

Books/Book chapters

This guide contains all the resources needed to implement a postgraduate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module for lecturers who wish to build, or enhance, community engaged research and learning (CERL) projects in the modules they teach, as part of the Higher Education curriculum. CERL (or service-learning, as it can be known) is a high-impact activity in Higher Education (Kuh, 2008), increasing student engagement and learning. CERL also supports community goals, and makes teaching more interesting for lecturers.

This module is designed to build capacity among participants for CERL, including developing relevant knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. Our approach to this …

University Education Model Zone, Fionnuala Darby, Shaun Ferns, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This document provides an overview of the University Education Model (UEM) Zone at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). The UEM Zone encompasses the diverse stakeholders, interests, and perspectives that influence and inform the UEM. It is a dynamic space where interrelationships and dependencies continuously evolve. The document identifies key players at macro, meso, and micro levels, highlighting the impact of global megatrends, national policies, and institutional conditions on the UEM. It highlights the importance of systems thinking in higher education and the integration of the UEM’s Guiding Principles. The paper aims to enhance understanding of the UEM Zone’s components and …