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24 November 2021
3 minutes to readInspiring the next generation of female STEM students
Research shows that females are more likely than males to form negative emotions about their abilities to perform mathematics or sciences, and that these perceptions take root at a young age. These views are often influenced by stereotypes about gender disparities, and false assumptions that mathematics or science subjects are not for…
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14 October 2021
4 minutes to readPlayful purpose: using games to connect and inspire
Except amongst the youngest of students, playfulness is not usually a characteristic promoted by the curriculum or encouraged by teachers. In fact, play is often seen as a distraction from rigorous learning activities, or a sign that students are lacking in focus.
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22 September 2021
2 minutes to readTransforming our education during the pandemic
At the start of a new academic year, now is a good time to pause and reflect for a moment on how the University responded to the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what we can learn from that response.
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14 September 2021
3 minutes to readGood at maths? How innovative projects are aiming to broaden student participation
For many of us, our perceived ability at maths will be influenced by cultural bias – such as the view that maths is predominantly a male field, or an innate talent. These are views that Dr Houry Melkonian, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Exeter, is keen to change. Over…
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19 August 2021
3 minutes to readUsing virtual reality in medical imaging
Diagnostic Radiography students in Medical Imaging at the University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health have been using virtual reality (VR) x-ray rooms, allowing them to enhance their clinical skills training by practising techniques learned in their x-ray room sessions.
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12 August 2021
4 minutes to readExploring social media as a form of assessment
From in-class tests to essays to presentations, there are many ways in which module leads can assess their students’ understanding. We know the way in which we assess students’ performance can influence the way in which they engage with learning. Varying how you assess your students can also help students who don’t…
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15 July 2021
4 minutes to readOpportunities and challenges of digital learning: an interview with Professor Tim Quine, DVC Education
Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic will bring challenges and opportunities for education, and three Exeter students recently had the chance to quiz Professor Tim Quine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), to canvass his views.
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1 July 2021
4 minutes to readConcurrent teaching: lessons from dissertation preparation sessions
Teaching students who join a session together, either from campus or online, has become an increasing feature of the last 12 months. Here Dr Matt Finn and Dr Laura Smith (Geography) describe their week-long series of concurrent workshops for second year BA Geography students, to prepare for their final year dissertations.
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24 June 2021
4 minutes to readBringing learning back to campus through The Festival of Discovery
Over 400 events took place on campus in the University’s inaugural Festival of Discovery. Held over a 2-week period from late May, the event aimed to bring our whole university community closer together to enjoy a range of on-campus and online activities. “I loved the…
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18 June 2021
4 minutes to readHow a Colombia field trip became a successful virtual exchange
Field courses are a capstone of many degree programmes, facilitating immersive and experiential learning opportunities. Students can engage with various aspects of their chosen field in situ, in an authentic and often applied way. This might involve touring unique facilities, interacting with external experts,
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9 June 2021
3 minutes to readHow enhancing the AV in teaching spaces can create a more seamless student experience
One of the many challenges faced by educators over the last year is delivering teaching concurrently to both students present in the room and also joining online through Teams or Zoom. Teaching rooms are rarely equipped to enable this concurrent teaching effectively, with limited camera and audio coverage
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26 May 2021
3 minutes to readQuantum leap: how cutting-edge technologies are giving students industry experience
Since autumn 2020, Physics students at the University of Exeter have been working with real-life quantum computers, thanks to the IBM Quantum Educators Program. IBM is at the forefront of quantum computing systems, research and development and their involvement has
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19 May 2021
4 minutes to readBuilding social connections between students during the pandemic
University life is about more than just studying. It’s about building social connections – friendships and relationships that can shape you forever. These social connections with peers are crucial to students’ success and overall wellbeing. But establishing these connections
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12 May 2021
3 minutes to readIs it time to take a fresh look at MOOCs?
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a sharp focus on online learning, so where do Massive Open Online Courses – MOOCs – fit into the picture? Lisa Harris and Steph Comley take a look… Now that an increasing number of educators and learners are discovering the benefits of inclusive and accessible online learning,…
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