Pietro is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at AMBS, passionate about improving teaching and learning practices and enhancing the student experience. With diverse interests in subject-specific topics and broader pedagogic innovation, Pietro strives to create a diverse and inclusive academic environment where the voices of students and staff are heard and represented, contributing to the co-creation of excellence.

This is a followon from his previous blog piece discussing the organisation of the Conference

The 2024 ITL Teaching and Learning Conference at The University of Manchester brought together educators, researchers, professional services, and students to explore critical themes in contemporary education. This year’s conference focused on four main themes: ‘Student Partnership and the Student Voice,’ ‘Exploring Assessment,’ ‘Sustainability and the Socially Responsible Curriculum,’ and ‘The Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education.’ Each theme was explored through various sessions, discussions, and presentations, highlighting innovative approaches and best practices in these areas.

The first day featured a variety of topics discussed in different formats. Two main plenaries bookended the event. The first plenary, ‘Student Partnership and the Student Voice,’ inaugurated the first day placing the accent on the importance of student involvement in decision-making processes for university practitioners and policymakers. The second plenary, ‘Exploring Assessment,’ concluded the first day, providing insights on solution-focused approaches aimed at enhancing assessment and feedback practices to meet the needs of diverse learners and foster their growth and development.

The second day followed a similar structure with an opening plenary on ‘Sustainability and the Socially Responsible Curriculum’ and a closing one on ‘The Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education.’ The opening plenary discussed the importance of embedding sustainable practices into curriculum development, raising questions about whether these should be taught independently or integrated into traditional deliveries. The second plenary, ‘The Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education’, played a key role as closing discussion, leaving the participants reflecting on the topics discussed in the two days, and wondering about ‘what comes next?’ and ‘where do we go from here?’. An additional highlight of the second day was the posters’ presentation sessions, which, on top of providing insight on topics relevant to the conference themes, showcased the creativity of the presenters and their capacity to engage the audience.

So, what were those four key themes about?

Theme 1: Student Partnership and the Student Voice 

A significant theme at the conference was the emphasis on student partnership and amplifying the student voice. Discussions centred on the importance of involving students in the co-creation of their educational experiences, including curriculum design, teaching methods, and feedback processes. Treating students as partners rather than passive recipients was regarded as a key approach to creating more relevant and impactful educational experiences. Various sessions highlighted successful projects where student feedback and collaboration led to significant improvements in course content and delivery, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Exploring Assessment

Innovative assessment methods were another major focus of the conference. Participants examined current assessment practices and explored new approaches to better evaluate student learning and development. Key discussions included the integration of technology in assessment, the need for more formative assessments, and the importance of providing timely and constructive feedback. Sessions also addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI in education, proposing new frameworks for assessment that prioritise ongoing dialogue between students and educators. Key takeaways include the need for assessments to be adaptable, fair, and reflective of diverse student needs and learning styles.

Sustainability and the Socially Responsible Curriculum 

The theme of sustainability and socially responsible education was prominent in the sessions, reflecting the university’s commitment to ESG (Environmental, Sustainability, Governance) goals and the growing recognition of the role education plays in addressing global challenges. The conference explored how universities can integrate sustainability into their curricula to prepare students for the environmental and social issues they will face in their professional and personal lives. Presentations and discussions highlighted successful initiatives that embed sustainability into various disciplines, promoting interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. The key takeaways are that educators should strive to create a curriculum that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a sense of responsibility and active citizenship among students.

The Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education

Finally, “The Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education” theme highlighted several key topics shaping the future of academia. Reflections included the fact that the integration of interactive digital games and AI, such as ChatGPT teaching assistants, is revolutionising personalised learning and engagement. The importance of addressing educational disparities was emphasised, focusing on removing systemic barriers and promoting equitable learning outcomes. Sessions highlighted the importance of enhancing the student experience through interdisciplinary projects and the role of placements in improving employability. Inclusivity was also a significant theme, with initiatives to create interactive and inclusive learning resources and empower student voices through frequent feedback mechanisms. Linking back to the other themes, the integration of sustainability into curricula and university practices was considered essential for fostering environmentally conscious and socially responsible graduates. Overall, the fourth theme reconciled the importance of technology, inclusivity, student engagement, and sustainability in the evolving landscape of higher education.

Holistic Reflections and Key Takeaways

The 2024 ITL Teaching and Learning Conference highlighted the multifaceted and complex nature of higher education and the need for continuous innovation and adaptation to address the opportunities and challenges provided by the evolving sector. Focusing on student partnership, innovative assessment, and sustainability, the conference provided a constructive environment for sharing best practices and exploring new ideas that can shape the future of education. The sessions and discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration among educators, professional services, students, and other stakeholders in creating a more inclusive, effective, and socially responsible educational environment.

Overall, the event was a significant opportunity for higher education practitioners to consider different priorities, such as the importance of engaging students as partners in their education, developing assessment methods that are fair and reflective of diverse learning needs, and integrating sustainability into the curriculum. The themes discussed are crucial for preparing students to access and contribute to an ever-changing world, reinforcing the importance of the higher education sector in shaping a better future for all.

More Reading:

If you are interested in being part of the University of Manchester ITL Teaching and Learning Conference committee for 2025, please get in touch with the team at teaching.learning@manchester.ac.uk .

Alternatively, take a look at our conference minisite.

Enjoyed the read? Follow Pietro for more on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pietro-paolo-frigenti/.

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