Think Education

Memory and the Impact of Learning In this episode of the Think Education podcast, Chris and Judith talk about memory, the past, the present and the future.  We ponder the student experience, motivated by our own understanding of what impacted us along our respective journeys. The impact of a good teacher should not underestimated, nor should the road less travelled.  The intangibles have been instrumental in our development, even if they are hard to quantify. The value of a university is based on reputation, credibility, accreditation and so a lot of the value for the student is based on the past but the degree will be awarded in the future. But we don’t know where we are going to be in the future despite how many of us talk about being ‘future focused.’  We are assigning a future value to a degree that rests on the past.  This led us to rambling on about how we assign value and what function does memory play in this?  We talked about things that impacted us over the course of our careers; who were those teac

Following on from our recent conversation with Prof Ian Mabbett, Prof. Christopher Hill and Prof. Judith Lamie revisit the issue of partnerships – how they are changing and how we are responding to these changes in international higher education. We discuss teaching and learning, research and innovation and the increasingly explicit nature of the integration of all of these elements in our thinking about partnership. Partnerships have evolved and we are more readily acknowledging the more equitable nature of engagement.  We talked about how encouraging we find the current approach to TNE – not as a financial necessity – but as part of a strategic understanding of development. Judith reflects on how the TNE landscape is being discussed and understood in the current climate and the levels of increased discussion regarding attempts to broaden opportunities for people to engage in education – even within the wider discussion of geopolitics and the economy. We talked about the nature of partnership and the extent

Cher.  Madonna.  Elvis.  People so significant to culture and context that they went by one name.  To this list, we add Janet. Christopher and Judith are delighted to be able to present our recent Think Education podcast with Dr Janet Ilieva, founder and director of Education Insight.  Known by all in the international higher education sector, Janet is a font of knowledge and expert analysis and the conversation predictably touched on many different topics. Janet talked about the current landscape of international higher education and how it is being impacted by geopolitical decisions and developments.  We discussed the issue of multipolarity and what this means for issues of trust, student decision making and mobility. Janet offered insight into the flows of global mobility and changing patterns we have seen in student mobility and outlined the emerging destinations for international students. We talked about the nature of TNE partnerships and the intersection of collaboration and compromise that must often

Professor Ian Mabbett Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Research Culture, Swansea University Returning to our former pattern of having a Welsh connection in our Think Education podcast, Chris and Judith are joined by Professor Ian Mabbett.  In a deeply engaging conversation that was parts philosophical, ethical and practical. Ian talked about his background in chemistry and revealed the wonderful titbit that his PhD was about ‘watching paint dry’.  His main focus was on looking into how we can make things that are less resource intensive, and this led him to an interest in international and global challenges – in turn leading him to think about the place and role of universities overseas. Ian asks the critical question - how are our research activities and our outreach activities connected.  He goes on to discuss the way in which we can connect research output, employability and community need. We talked about the current state of international higher education and the intersection of identity and research cultu

As a continuation of our last episode, and indeed part of the current podcasting series, Prof Judith and Prof Christopher discuss change in the university context. Over the course of this session, we think about change as a concept and how we approach and respond to it.  How do we manage change itself?  What are the mechanisms in place?   How do we assess needs and then respond to them? Judith ponders the philosophical reality of change and seemingly manages to present both sides of the argument simultaneously!  We debate the reality that the one constant in all of this is people.  So perhaps, the changes in leadership, and approaching and processing issues changes as much as people change.  People’s reaction to change is often very constant and if you provide a rational explanation it often works out.  Except when it doesn’t, of course. We recognised the reality that, technologically speaking, the changes have been dramatic and then tripped down memory lane remembering overhead projectors and the introductio

Just under a year ago, Judith and I talked about the value of reflection and taking time away from the office to recharge. We clearly took this far too literally as this is our first podcast since August 2024!!  In the time since then we have reflected, and we have continued talking and thinking about all things international education.  And we finished writing and submitted our third book – and even began our fourth in the trilogy. Given the current climate in higher education (and our interest in evolution) we have begun to think much more seriously about change.  Change in all forms really.  But particularly with a focus on how universities are adapting to the external environment; shifts in funding; new recruitment pathways; research agendas; diversity of learning; technology and AI – to name but a few. In this, our first podcast of the new era (that sounds better than just not having done one for a while) we talk about change and innovation in international higher education partnership activity.  We talk

I have seen quite a few posts on Linkedin in the past week or so about fake reviews, fake journals and general fakeness all around.  It reminded me of a fascinating conversation I had with Professor Perry Hobson last year about fake conferences and their impact on academia. For those who didn't get a chance to hear this when first published, please enjoy.   In this latest Think Education podcast @ProfChrisHill talks to Professor Perry Hobson, Director of BUas Academy for Tourism at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, about fake conferences and the impact these have on academia. Perry outlined work he has undertaken looking at the issue of fake conferences, how they operate and the knock on effect they can have on academic practice. We discussed the academic practice of creating and disseminating knowledge and the challenges of access – in terms of paid journal subscriptions – faced by many countries around the world.   Mounties always get their man! https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-p

In this latest Think Education podcast, Christopher talks to friend of the show, Dr Tendai Charles – Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, British University in Dubai – about AI and its function to support an inclusive learning environment. Tendai talked about his recent attendance and presentation at the Advance HE Teaching and Learning Conference 2024, held at Nottingham Trent University, UK, and how AI dominated the conversation - even on sessions not necessarily focused on it. We talked about work being done by Dr Philip Quirke – HCT – about the responsible use of AI in teaching and learning and the efficient ways it can be used to demonstrate both its value and its limitations.  Using AI as a tool to support engagement and critical thinking is a powerful way to implement it. Tendai and I talked about the need to start these conversations with a focus on pedagogy and then work from there to see where AI and technology could best be used to enhance learning, rather than starting with AI and having fea

In this latest Think Education podcast, Chris and Judith talk to Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, about her journey from Australia to the USA to the UK – with all stops in between. This marks the second in our current series looking at women in leadership and international higher education. Jessica talked about her background in music and how this creativity and willingness to follow her own path – even while studying in a heavily male-dominated engineering discipline at university – as helped her throughout her professional career. Jessica talked about mentors and shared a powerful story about the normalisation of balancing home and work life – and being equally comfortable in both.  We talked about the role of parents and how we can help to shape the environment in which our children work and more importantly, how they are able to respond to, and indeed, challenge it. Jessica is strongly motivated by learning and brings a curiosity to everything she does. This shines through in our conversation, as does her passi

In this latest Think Education podcast, Chris and Judith talk to Dr Lobar Babakhodjaeva, Associate Professor, Global Education Department, Westminster International University in Tashkent – Uzbekistan.  We spoke to Lobar about her journey through education, to senior leadership, to a focus on her research and teaching. This podcast is the latest over the past year, grounded in our ongoing interest on voices and journeys in education and is linked to the book we are currently finishing (writing, not reading) that has a particular focus on the role of women in international higher education. Lobar talked about the role of mentors in her life and career development and how important this is to develop leadership capabilities and awareness of what is possible. We talked about the importance of normalizing equal access and opportunity for both boys and girls.  Both Lobar and Judith shared stories about experiences they have had where gender was seen as a barrier – or at the very least, a challenge. Lobar wrote a p

In an attempt at a meta-session, Chris and Judith took a little time today to think and talk about podcasting. This episode was motivated by several factors: we thought it might be nice to talk and think about something other than what is going on in the sector at the moment; and a colleague and friend of ours, Fabrizio Tfifiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/1234591/ has just launched a new podcast Experiences of International Education (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7204862986262343681/) on which we will both appear in later episodes reflecting on our experiences and journeys in international higher education.  We started thinking about community, paying it forward and the opportunity to engage – and how valuable all these factors have been to us over the past few years. Our conversation moved through paying attention, active listening, engagement, honesty and reflection – with a brief pit stop on a plane, in the classroom and the car on the way home from baseball practice – to come to

International Student Perspectives: Taiwan and the UAE In a companion type piece to last week’s look at international student mobility in Australia, today we asked students to reflect on their experiences with and at university. This episode of the Think Education podcast includes reflections from postgraduate students from the College of Education at National Chengchi University (Taiwan) and the Faculty of Education at the British University in Dubai (UAE). We talked about what they hope and hoped to get out of their journey in higher education.  We asked them about their reflections on the role and purpose of a university.  We talked about community engagement and the profile of a university in the community itself. We asked them to reflect on the future of international higher education, and they gave some advice on navigating presenting at international conferences.  We talked about imposter syndrome and how it never really goes away. Their reflections are positive and insightful – and not always what you

International student recruitment caps in Australia – a review and discussion In this latest episode of the Think Education podcast, Judith and myself were delighted to be joined by return guest, Dr Douglas Proctor, Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement, Swinburne University of Technology.  We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk to Douglas again – even if the subject matter wasn’t all that cheerful in nature. Douglas provided a deeply insightful and reasoned discussion regarding the recent changes in Australia regarding international student numbers and legislation to curtail and significantly reduce them. Douglas explained that there will be a system of caps put in place to regulate numbers and while these can be exceeded with a financial penalty, Ministers will also have the ability to prevent recruitment and even possibly licenses, should this occur.  While this seems like an extreme case and perhaps unlikely, the fact that the possibility exists is significant.  The capping of numbers will natu

In this latest Think Education podcast episode, Judith and Chris talk to Sharon Davies-Smith, College Director/Principal and Chief Operating Officer – The College, Swansea University. In addition to this being a fascinating conversation, it has been a few months since we spoke to somebody from Wales and this could clearly not be allowed to stand any longer! Sharon talked about her background and journey through education, hall tutor, teacher, commercial buyer for Sainsbury’s and Next and then back to education to her current role as Chief Worrier at Swansea University.  We explored her journey and reflected on how, as if often the case, things make complete sense when seen in reverse.  Sharon also talked about the need to be assertive and put yourself forward for opportunities and how this was, and remains today, a challenge that faces many women. Sharon reflected on the work in progress that is achieving work-life balance and understanding what things you can let go, what to fight for and how to know the dif

In this latest Think Education podcast episode, Judith reflected on her recent attendance at the UUKi’s International Higher Education Forum 2024 – held in London, UK.  Judith highlighted the honesty and reflective nature of presentations and discussions seen now as normal and the value that this bring to the community and understanding. Three key issues emerged from Judith’s reflections and they are all connected to the shifting realities of higher education: International student mobility and the impact this has on institutions, cities and communities.  This is not an issue for any single one country or region but rather a sector wide concern.  The conversation naturally focused on international students and the extent to which their presence, and indeed absence, can dramatically impact local, regional and international economies and stability. Online and distance learning.  Students demonstrating an increasing interest in studying online for the first year or two of their degrees and then switching to in p

AI and Origami: Responding to New Challenges with Old Techniques   In this latest Think Education podcast, Judith and Chris continue their previous conversation about resilience and change, but with a focus on the use of technology in education – particularly AI. Chris reflected on a conference he chaired - The 2nd Global Conference on Research in Education and Research (GCEL 2024) – this past week in Dubai, and talked about the challenges some participants had faced due to the floods in the UAE.  The sheer value of academic engagement and interaction was never more fully evident! One of the presentations, talked about the use of origami in teaching mathematics – by way of encouraging creativity.  One of the audience members remarked that this was at least one teaching/assessment method that AI could not be used to subvert!  This led Judith and Chris down the verbal pathway of AI, cheating, creativity and technology usage, acceptance and distrust. We talked about the role of AI in higher education and our res

Judith and Chris have been away from the podcasting world for a few weeks – holidays and life – and are now recording this in the midst of some fairly significant natural disasters and home issues.  The current situation prompted us to think about resilience and how we cope with crises in both our personal and professional lives.  And because this is us, we managed to include Jurassic Park, Bruce Lee and King Solomon along the way! This podcast is an attempt to talk about our approach to coping with issues and the importance of having somebody to talk to and lean on.  We all face issues in our personal and professional lives and being able to take a step back at times and reflect on what we are going through, how we are approaching solving the issue, and what we ultimately hope to achieve can be really helpful. We talked about working in different environments and understanding how to work within different contexts while maintaining our own sense of integrity and professionalism.  There is a need to compromis

Judith and Chris discussed the issue of success and how we measure it.  We talked about the problems with the terms and approaches we use here and how we are often trapped by a framework of our own making. We talked about time and partnerships.  How long it takes to set them up; how long they take to actually take; how long we should stay in them before we consider them a success or a failure.  We also debated what success and failure actually look like in educational partnerships.   Somehow, we found ourselves possible defending the value of MoU’s and their collection – we tried to back away from this as quickly as we could but to no real avail.   Judith, as is her wont, brought the discussion back to rugby and reflected on what success means for different nations.   Chris, not to be outdone, turned to basketball and reflected on comments made by Giannis Antetokounmpo, a professional basketball player with the Milwaukee Bucks in America, about the nature of success and failure and how we need to recalibrate

There are more things talked about in this podcast than in your imagination.   Language always pulls us back and forms a strong element of many of the conversations Judith and I have.  We like language.  We like books.  We like talking about language.  We like talking about books. Judith reflects on our recent conversations and podcasts and talks about how we learn languages at school and out in the real world.  We talked about school trips abroad and exchange visits, what this meant for us at the time and how we reflect back on them now. We talked about the sense of wonder when we travel and how that can still be replicated, or whether it has been left by the wayside.  Perhaps it is replaced by empathy and engagement and that can’t be a bad thing. We found ourselves talking about food all of a sudden – still not entirely sure how this happened – as a function of comfort and memory.  We can of course seamlessly tie this to an abstract construct of identity, representation and travel in international higher ed

Judith and Chris wander down the often problematic, and always fascinating labyrinth that is the nature of culture. What do we think of when we hear the word culture?  Judith reflects on what the term means in the boardroom as compared to in the ‘outside world’.  Inward and outward views abound. Culture can be perhaps seen in different ways: from the personal perspective thinking about other places and the cultural norms that exist there (fascinating, unnerving perhaps, curious), food, language etc.  And from the professional view of institutional culture – a great term that can both facilitate action and prevent it. Chris reflected on his experience working in organisations internationally, particularly when working on a branch campus looking to replicate the home campus model in the midst of significant diversity and what this means for culture and identity. We made no attempt to define culture in this podcast but rather took the opportunity to reflect, muse on the topic and probe a little deeper into our o