Think Education

In this latest Think Education podcast, @ProfChrisHill had an opportunity to talk to Dr Sandra Baroudi - Assistant Professor at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies- Zayed University, Dubai, UAE, and co-founder and CEO of @Eduvate, a professional development and training institute for educators and professionals - and learn more about female leadership in higher education and the value of peer mentoring and representation.  Sandra, an expert in the field, offered her considerable insight on contextualizing teaching and learning in the Arab world and offered practical examples on areas of focus for teachers.  We talked about language and how this can shape our understanding of concepts and the need to rethink the way we approach problems and opportunities.  Access is key and we should always look for opportunities to pass the ball and help our team succeed!   https://www.facebook.com/UAEEduvate https://www.linkedin.com/company/eduvate-uae/ (2) Sandra Baroudi (PhD, FHEA) | LinkedIn   #femaleleadership #cont

We are back with more Roman (and Greek) history and chat. I am joined once again by Mason to hear him talk about the troubled history between Rome and Carthage.  We talked about how Rome began; why family is important but also can be tricky; the power of stories and the real heroes.  We talked about Greek myths and what they tell us about ourselves. Sometimes you want to fight a battle, and some days, you just want to go home.

In a very different type of podcast, I got the chance today to indulge my interest in classical history. Mason Watson, almost 10 years old, from Dubai (via the USA and Czech Republic) talks us through his favorite moment in Roman history.  It is probably not what you might guess! We talked about our love of Roman history; that stories aren't always what they seem; how the little guy (and girl) can stand up to the big bully and why you should always wear a helmet in battle - no matter how cool you want your hair to look!!

In this podcast, @ProfChrisHill chats with Dr Tendai Charles, Associate Professor Faculty of Education and Director Centre for Research in Digital Education at the British University in Dubai, about the role of AI in higher education, how it is being used and how we in the community interpret its use and impact. Tendai then reflected on the role of assessment in higher education, the value of exams and the use of technology in teaching and learning more broadly.  We talked about the skills agenda and the extent to which we are accurately measuring student learning and outcomes.  We reflected on the use of AI as a source and resource for students and whether it represents the end of academia as we know it, or whether it can be embedded for good. This outline was written by an actual human! #AIinhighereducation #assessment #studentengagement #teachingandlearning #internationalhighereducation @buid_team https://www.buid.ac.ae/home-2/dr-tendai-charles/

In this episode @ProfChrisHill talks to Dr Zeenath Reza Khan (@zrtalks), Assistant Professor University of Wollongong Dubai and Founding President at ENAI WG Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE about #academicintegrity.  We explore Zeenath’s superhero origin story; her ongoing journey to support increased awareness and practice in the UAE; and her reflections on the root causes of academic cheating and how we as a community can best address this issue.  We discussed the work of the ENAI WG Centre for Academic Integrity in the UAE and the need for greater communication and student engagement. You can’t ever escape group work!   https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeenath-reza-khan-phd-9490a348/ #studentsupport #contractcheating @studentengagement #academicintegrity #igniteintegrity

In this episode, I was joined by @FabrizioTrifiro Head of International Quality Reviews and Stakeholder Engagement, Ecctis-UKENIC & INQAAHE Board Member, to talk about quality assurance from both a philosophical and practical perspective.  Fabrizio brought his wealth of global expertise to bear on this issue and reflected on the evolving nature of higher education and how quality assurance processes are responding. Fabrizio pulled back the curtain and explained how QA agencies navigate the need to inhibit change and innovate for the future.  We talked about the constant struggle to remain relevant and maintain trust and quality, while evolving and asking questions. We talked about the core question of how do we distinguish between comparability of learning outcomes and comparability of learning experience/environment in TNE to ensure that we are best servicing the student experience. It’s a jungle out there!   https://www.linkedin.com/in/1234591/?originalSubdomain=uk #qualityassuranceinTNE #internationali

In this episode, Judith and I talk with @douglasjproctor Pro Vice Chancellor Global Engagement @Swinburne to get the Australian perspective on all things international.  Douglas reflected on his time in both Ireland and Australia to talk about the contrasts between the two international higher education systems, the role of governments and the approach to international student recruitment. We talked about how international students are viewed in different countries; how a sense of identity and attachment can evolve and be nurtured; and what the term community means to those within and outside of a university.  We even had time to think about the pesky question as to what internationalisation actually means. https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasproctor/?originalSubdomain=au #internationalisation #globalengagement #internationalstudents #community #universitygovernance

In this episode, Judith and I talk to Mark Garratt, Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment @AngliaRuskin about student diversity, values, marketing strategies and internationalisation at home.  The conversation started out one way and morphed into something entirely different but remained fascinating throughout.  Mark talks candidly about his own experiences and reflects on leadership styles and truly effective working environments. And yes, we appreciate that there is another Welsh connection here! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-garratt/?originalSubdomain=uk #studentdiversity #internationalisation #leadership #studentrecruitment #internationalhighered

In this episode, Judith and myself chat to @bola_ibrahim about Egyptian higher education.  Bola is an International Educational Consultant and expert in Egyptian higher education – although he tries to downplay this in our fascinating conversation.  Bola walked us through the current Egyptian higher education landscape, gave considerable detail on historical development and offered genuine insight into where the sector might be going.  There were some surprises in this session and it was a real opportunity for us to delve into a robust and growing sector with strong international partnership links, as Bola shared his recent research findings and reflections. We all have sentiments, one way or the other! https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolaibrahim/?originalSubdomain=eg #egypt #egyptianhighereducation #internationalpartnership #studentmobility #internationalpartnerships

In this episode, Judith and I have one our most grown-up conversations on the podcast (and possibly anywhere) about risk and legal issues in international higher education.  We are joined by Rachel Soundy, a higher education specialist lawyer and a Partner in the Higher Education team at @BevanBrittanLLP , who provides a thoughtful and in-depth review of the key legal risk issues in international higher education.  This session provides significant food for thought and invaluable advice for partnership development.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsoundy/?originalSubdomain=uk   #legalrisksineducation #internationalhighereducation #internationalisation

In this book end episode, Judith and I bask in the glow of having submitted our manuscript to the publishers and reflect on the process of writing the second book.  In this period before the inevitable corrections come back, and the necessary Index, we talk over our writing relationship, working with collaborators and think about ideas for the next book.

In this episode, recorded in April 2022, Judith and I began the process of writing the ever tricky sequel!  We had enjoyed writing the first book so much, we decided to give it another go and this episode marks the formal start of that process.  We talked about identity and direction; we talked about new ideas and old ideas; we talked about what we had learned from the last book and how that might help this time round - spoiler, be better prepared with the Index! #writingasecondbook #writing #collaboration #internationalhighered

In this episode Judith and I discuss the topic of leadership in higher education.  We discuss the nature of leadership itself; different models and approaches we have experienced and offer some examples where we have encountered really powerful and valuable leadership in our careers. The discussion moved to the role of women in leadership and how the system, and indeed people, can both support and challenge this reality.   #accidentalleadership #womeninleadership #womeninhighereducation #leadership #highereducation

In this latest Think Education podcast, Judith and I talked to @ArleneGriffiths about internationalisation strategies and the need to begin from the student experience.  Arlene brings a wealth of experience (from her life in the pharmaceutical industry, her roles in International Offices and running IDP Education USA, to her last position as Director of AG Consultancy) to the conversation and spoke with passion and a deep understanding of student recruitment and support.  This conversation was another Welsh tour de force as Judith and Arlene bonded over their current location and experience, and all things Welsh.  Having never worked in Wales, I felt somewhat left out but loved the conversation all the same! https://www.linkedin.com/in/arleneg56/?originalSubdomain=uk  

In this latest Think Education podcast, Judith and I talked to, very much friend of the show, Dr Vicky Lewis about the development of international strategies and the inner workings of higher education institutions. Vicky is a fantastic source of information for international higher education and always places her analysis firmly in context and provides detailed and balanced perspectives throughout. At one point in the conversation, Vicky – proving to be the perfect podcast guest, managed to effectively interview herself while Judith and I sat back and enjoyed the conversation!  We hope you enjoy Vicky’s insights and wealth of experience as much as we did. @DrVickyLewis https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvickylewis/?originalSubdomain=uk #internationalhighereducation #internationalstrategy #leadership

In the latest Think Education podcast, Judith and myself talk to Professor Nigel Healey, Vice President Global and Community Engagement, University of Limerick. Nigel reflects on cross-cultural learning at universities and how we can best support the student experience in this regard.  We debated the issue of how universities can balance sustainable and internationalisation strategies and we talked about the need for, versus the value of, travel in international higher education, including a few anecdotes about the benefits of physical mobility and the need to ensure the best return for carbon investment. This is a fascinating and thought provoking conversation that asks us to challenge many of our established notions of what it is to be a university internationally. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelhealey

In the latest Think Education podcast, Judith and I talked to Ceri Nursaw, CEO of NCEE, about her work supporting and developing entrepreneurial leadership in higher education institutions.  We talked about how values and traditions can shape the present and future; the challenges of navigating international activity and remaining authentic to a sense of self; and the need for leaders to prioritise reflection. https://ncee.org.uk/  @NursawAssociate https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceri-nursaw/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode, Judith and I met with Jason Makwabara, Business Management & Finance Student from Swansea University, to talk about his journey from Zimbabwe to Swansea; his experiences of learning online during the pandemic; the reasons why he choose to study abroad – despite all the pandemic uncertainty; and his views on the value of international higher education. In this highly reflective and insightful episode, Jason explains that the world is a big place, we should explore it and take advantage of opportunities to learn from others and new experiences, wherever we can. #highereducation #internationalstudents #studentmobility #studyabroad @JMakwabarara @SwanseaUni https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-kudakwashe-makwabarara-0443021a1/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this episode of the Think Education Podcast International Voices series, Judith and I talk to Vivienne Stern MBE Chief Executive Universities UK (@viviennestern) about all things TNE. Vivienne talks about TNE growth, development, possible saturation and emerging and innovative approaches to collaborative partnership.  We talk about engaging online, the value of travel and international activity post-pandemic. This podcast was recorded in 2022 when Vivienne Stern MBE was Director UUKi. #highereducation #transnationaleducation https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-stern-73098644/?originalSubdomain=uk 

Judith and I talk to Prof Lisa Wallace, Associate Dean International, @SwanseaUni about her journey from Virginia to Wales, the role of women in science and her views on internationalisation.  Lisa stresses the need to understand context and to build connections to do the thing in front of us to the best of our abilities. @ProfJudithLamie @buid_team