Make ‘switch your phone on’ a requirement of your lessonsStudents are more likely to carry smartphones than pens when they walk into your class, so make use of their potential. Fernando Rosell-Aguilar outlines how to involve your students’ favourite device in active learning experiencesFernando Rosell-Aguilar Arden University
Creating safe spaces for students to talk about financial difficultiesPoor financial health can lead to mental health difficulties and isolation for students. Here, Caroline Deylaud Koukabi and Joanna West offer tips for giving students inclusive spaces to discuss concerns amid the cost-of-living crisisCaroline Deylaud Koukabi, Joanna WestUniversity of Luxembourg
Six tips for when you’re moving up into managementMaking the leap into administration can feel daunting, but Yağmur Çerkez’s advice will help you to develop the skills and strategies you need to thriveYağmur Çerkez Near East University
How our Study Together programme promotes belonging and improves well-being By offering students a space to meet, study and socialise outside the classroom, universities can improve engagement and reduce feelings of loneliness on campusGemma StandenThe University of East Anglia
Could Athenian democracy improve the quality of science?What if universities were governed according to the open culture that drives scientific research itself? Zoltan Dienes and Jörg Huber look at an ancient model for decision-makingZoltan Dienes, Jörg HuberUniversity of Sussex, University of Brighton
Sustainability accounting is coming: here’s how to navigate itWe can expect radical changes in sustainability accounting over the next few years. Developing a sustainability mindset for yourself and your students seems like a good place to start, write Sulaiman Aliyu and Toby YorkSulaiman Aliyu, Toby York Middlesex University
Use design thinking and storytelling to help international students find their voicesExchanging stories allows students to express themselves and relate to others, a team at the University of Warwick explain and share activities that encourage thisBo Kelestyn, Nikita Asnani, Minali Sanghani, Weiwei Su, Janet ZhengThe University of Warwick
How practical education and talent management support medical studentsA practice-oriented focus together with personalised talent support lead to success in medical education for local and international students. Here, Alán Alpár explains why teaching, science and patient care must go hand in handAlán AlpárSemmelweis University
Sprinting in hindsight: what we learned from validating university programmes at paceHaving used a Design Sprint methodology for university-wide academic programme validation, has the dash to a photo finish improved quality processes? Zoë Allman and Leanne de Main share their experienceZoë Allman, Leanne de MainDe Montfort University
The double-edged sword of open access publishingInclusivity is seen as a benefit of open access publishing, but is this an illusion? Here, William E. Donald asks questions about who pays and what counts, and offers scenarios for a fairer journal modelWilliam E. DonaldUniversity of Southampton
Every student in Scotland can vote: here’s why that should matter to educatorsTeach your students that voting is an investment in the future – and help them build a lifelong habit. Murray Leith offers advice Murray LeithUniversity of the West of Scotland
Four steps for integrating generative AI in learning and teachingFrom class preparation to critical thinking and reflection, this four-step checklist will help university teachers support the ethical and informed use of artificial intelligence tools in the classroomZheng Feei Ma, Antony HillUniversity of the West of England Bristol
How to harness community knowledge to tackle complex policy challengesWorking with local communities can help uncover new insights to tackle complex social policy challenges. Saffron Woodcraft and Joseph Cook explain how to set up high-impact citizen social science researchSaffron Woodcraft, Joseph CookUCL
Celebrate Black History Year and tackle racial inequality all year longInstead of consigning the recognition of Black histories to one single month, Deborah Husbands, Stephen Bunbury and Dibyesh Anand advocate for a Black History Year Deborah Husbands , Stephen Bunbury, Dibyesh Anand University of Westminster
Campus talks: microcredentials are knocking. Will higher education answer?Tips from 10 years of Moocs at the University of Edinburgh and a call to arms to embrace technology for greater equity and financial sustainabilityMelissa Highton, Michael D. SmithThe University of Edinburgh, Carnegie Mellon University
How to facilitate knowledge exchange and build trust with policymakersThose seeking to create impact with their evidence should be ready to understand how public sector bodies make sense of the value of research, writes Julian MolinaJulian MolinaThe University of Bristol
Believe it or not, you can use conspiracy theories as tools for teachingWhen misinformation is a global risk, critical thinking skills are more vital than ever, writes Malcolm Schofield. Here, he offers techniques from parapsychology and belief studies that can make research and analysis more rigorous Malcolm SchofieldUniversity of Derby
The language of inclusivity is not inclusiveTerms such as equity, diversity and inclusion give the impression that they are dealing with what is present. In fact, EDI work deals with what is absent, writes Pascal Matthias. He offers ways to think, speak and write differentlyPascal MatthiasUniversity of Southampton
What we learned from a pilot study aimed at getting first-generation students into pharmacyMany students have little knowledge of the role and career opportunities of a pharmacist. This is even more so the case for first-generation studentsCarl Harrington, Rosemary Norton The University of East Anglia
Giving graduation a 21st-century makeoverGraduations can be stuffy affairs, writes James Derounian. He suggests that with technological wizardry, student voice and a little awe, universities could add sparkle to the pomp and ritualJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Six ways to boost international student recruitment International students bring diversity, talent and economic value to our universities and society. Here are some ways to encourage them to apply to your institutionSteven McGuireUniversity of Sussex
Use technology to boost productivity and beat burnoutAyşe Hyusein advises using a range of techniques and tools for more effective time managementAyşe Hyusein Near East University
How to support individuals with hearing loss at your institution Many people with hearing impairments do not think they need support. Here are some ways to provide it Simon HayhoeThe University of Exeter
Four ways universities can enhance their community impactGo beyond the campus walls to enrich the surrounding community educationally, socially and economically. Xiuli Guo outlines howXiuli GuoUniversity of the West of Scotland
Embedding lean practices in higher educationHow can university processes be more efficient and sustainable? Here’s how one continuous improvement team took a viral approach to efficiency through lean thinking, lean leadership and lean toolkitsTammi Sinha, Pete Rykowski , Michael ShawUniversity of Southampton
Conference presentations 101: master the art of speaking to an audienceDon’t get stage fright when it comes to presenting your research. Ayten Ordu offers her tips for preparing for speaking successAyten OrduNear East University
What support students need to succeed in work placementsStudents in work-based learning placements need support before, through and when returning from their experience. Here is advice for universities and academic tutors to maximise the benefits of the opportunity for allSaheda Begum, Zoë AllmanDe Montfort University
Use students to facilitate impactful collaborations that benefit the communityUsing students to connect third-sector organisations with people who can help them brings benefits to all involved. By Martin ParkerMartin ParkerThe University of Bristol
Protect your emotional well-being for a happier writing experienceWriting academic papers can be a long and emotional journey. Burcu Totur Dikmen offers her tips for emotional well-beingBurcu Totur Dikmen Near East University
How Moocs helped a centuries-old institution change its ways Moocs required us to rethink how to create open and free courses that would engage large numbers of learners. Over the years, we’ve adapted our services in response to lessons we’ve learned from our experiments, write Nikki Stuart and Lauren Johnston-Smith Lauren Johnston-Smith, Nikki StuartThe University of Edinburgh
Why you should do a staff mobility programme and how to set one upWhether you participate in an exchange or a traineeship, mobility programmes offer teachers unparalleled growth, but there are obstacles universities should help staff overcomeShelini Surendran, Paul TownsendUniversity of Surrey
Driving change through knowledge: how to increase policy impact Academic research is invaluable in informing governments and leaders so they can make decisions that affect us all. Here, Yaryna Basystyuk offers advice on how to make your research count in the policy world Yaryna BasystyukUniversity of Southampton
A framework for decolonising and diversifying science curriculaActions you can take to make your science curriculum more inclusive and relevant to all studentsAlice Robson , Bronwen Burton , Caroline McKinnon The University of Bristol
Don’t just chat(GPT): turn on critical interrogationCritical thinking is often seen as the antidote to generative AI. But what if educators took it one step further back and aimed to encourage students’ curiosity? Giuseppe Cimadoro explainsGiuseppe CimadoroSt Mary’s University Twickenham
How to build trust as a research supervisor Building trust is a crucial foundation of the supervisor-supervisee relationship. Kingsley Omeihe argues it’s a two-way processKingsley OmeiheUniversity of the West of Scotland
Why your students need to learn the skills of a journalistInterviewing real people to gain original stories and insights is a skill that will serve your students well in the age of AI. Julie Nightingale offers tipsJulie NightingaleNottingham Trent University
In the age of AI, teach your students how to be human Look to the arts to help develop your students’ skills for navigating the real world. Lucy Gill-Simmen proposes her vision of a more well-rounded educationLucy Gill-SimmenRoyal Holloway, University of London
Three ways to use ChatGPT to enhance students’ critical thinking in the classroomThe balance between technology and traditional educational values, as well as ensuring that AI complements, rather than replaces, the human element in education, are the keys to maximising AI’s benefits in the classroom, writes Nikolas DietisNikolas Dietis University of Cyprus
What does a research supervisor do?Research supervisors must learn to be authentic mentors, as well as sharing their experience and knowledge. Robert Crammond reflects on his time in the roleRobert CrammondUniversity of the West of Scotland
In-person events are still necessaryShould academics be travelling to events that could be done virtually? Drawing on her experiences at COP28, Denise Baden shares tips on how to make the most of these events – and why a chance to form alliances, learn from each other and share ideas for action make it worth being presentDenise BadenUniversity of Southampton
Students see the benefits of AI-generated learning contentStudents might already show a preference for AI-generated online learning content, so academic colleagues and institutions need to capitalise on this to improve resource management and staff well-being, write Dean Fido and Gary F. FisherDean Fido, Gary F. FisherUniversity of Derby
How to show you’re the best person for the jobMany applicants struggle to articulate their successes in their applications for a job, promotion or award. Harriet Dunbar-Morris is here to help you make your case Harriet Dunbar-MorrisUniversity of Buckingham
A road map for advancing digital inclusion for your students, staff and communityA multi-departmental and collaborative approach to digital skills training has helped tackle digital exclusion at Staffordshire University. Raheel Nawaz explains the key initiatives Raheel NawazUniversity of Staffordshire
Building trust in research: how effective patient and public involvement can helpInvolving patients and the public in research results in more relevant outcomes and gathers insight into what issues affect and are of importance to them and their communities, writes Gary HickeyGary HickeyUniversity of Southampton
How can we encourage more prospective first-generation students to apply to university?Reflecting on her experiences as a first-generation student and widening participation practitioner, Raeesah Ellis-Haque shares insight into how universities can ensure communications and outreach activities speak to prospective first-generation studentsRaeesah Ellis-HaqueThe University of Bristol
Prepare for promotion: how to develop a strategy for successHow can you ensure you have the best chances of success when applying for a promotion? Here are some tips from careers consultant Eleanor Hennige Eleanor HennigeThe University of Edinburgh
How to embed inclusive recruitment practices in a higher education setting Hiring practices – from job posting to interview – are key to creating a diverse workforce. Here, Damien Page offers advice on how to drive university-wide inclusivity from the classroom to the community Damien PageBuckinghamshire New University
Maximise your research impact with these seven LinkedIn tipsLinkedIn works as a powerful tool for academics who want to share their research, yet self-promotion can be daunting. Here are seven tips to engage with other academics on the platform and define your brandRushana Khusainova, Hannah Robinson , Jacks BennettThe University of Bristol
Hone the story of your career to make a case for promotionReflecting on achievements, considering broader impacts and shaping a narrative that resonates can help you craft a compelling career story that enhances your chances of promotionEleonora Pantano, Rachael LambThe University of Bristol
It’s time to fully support promotions on the education pathwaySpecialist teaching roles such as librarians and learning designers may not map perfectly on to criteria for professorial posts, but they make significant contributions to the student experience and should be rewarded as such, argues Harriet Dunbar-MorrisHarriet Dunbar-MorrisUniversity of Buckingham