Think Education

In this latest Think Education podcast, @ProfChrisHill talks to @_Jacktlee Lecturer in Comparative Education and Education Policy @EdinburghUni about his recent article Romanticizing decolonization and Asian epistemology: reflections on identity and space and his journey through international higher education. In September 2023, Jack will be joining UofGlasgow as a Senior Lecturer. Jack reflected on the role of agency in international higher education and how this can dictate both identity and activity.  Jack talked about the Global South and the varying levels of development and power that exist within such a wide area.  Jack used his international experience to reflect on motivations and realities in different countries and the need to be critical of information sources and to interrogate assumptions. Jack talked about hybrid mobility and the impact that student movement can have on ideas, identity and realities.  We discussed the changing policies and motivations of countries when it comes to student mobil

In this latest #ThinkEducation #podcast episode, @ProfChrisHill talked to Prof Angela Yung-chi Hou - Professor of Higher Education and Associate Dean of College of Education, National Chengchi University (@nccu1927) Taiwan – about quality assurance in Asia.  We discussed emerging trends and the ways in which QA agencies are responding.   Angela reflected on conducting quality assurance activities during the pandemic and what changes have been retained, by agencies, as a result.  Angela explored the challenges in cross border collaboration and joint degree accreditation and discussed the role of governments and external agencies.  We talked about the role of stakeholders and the need to involve students more explicitly in the process.   Angela outlined the key challenges ahead for quality assurance and offered her perspective on what this might mean practically moving forwards.   We can all learn from each other, so let’s keep on talking.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-yung-chi-hou-0b0279208/?originalSub

1066 and all that! In this latest episode, Mason wove different strands of history together to tell the story of the Battle of Hastings, moving from Harold, to William to the Vikings and back again. We talked about the role of leaders; the importance of a name; how a bad weather day can really mess up a battle; and the importance to look up to avoid arrows, and down to avoid spears!  We even managed to link a Viking king to modern technology.

In this latest #ThinkEducation #podcast @ProfChrisHill talks to Dr Cheryl Yu (@cherylqiumeiYu) about the Arts in international higher education.  We discussed how we should think about impact and value in internationalisation and how this is related to the creation and co-creation of knowledge – and the extent to which this is linked to the politics of language. We talked about the ‘traditional’ understanding and definitions in place around concepts, locations and pathways to international higher education; how this impacts the way we think about value and place; and what might happen if, and when, these concepts become defined elsewhere? Cheryl reflected on horizontal and vertical internationalisation and the need for HEIs to understand their motivations behind engaging in internationalisation, what they want to get out of it, and what their partners need and want to get out of it too.   Hopefully we can begin to think more deeply about how we think.   #China #globalnorthandsouth #collaboration #cocreatingkn

In the latest Think Education podcast @ProfChrisHill talked to @Dr_A_Bautista about the life of an international academic.  Dr Alfredo Bautista is an Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and has a wealth of international experience, having worked in Spain, North America, Singapore and now Hong Kong.   Alfredo talked about his journey from his PhD to his current position and offered reflections and advice to colleagues working in, or thinking about working in, international higher education.   Alfredo discussed, in passionate detail, his approach to learning and the need to not let our pre-judgements and assumptions get in the way of trying to understand new context and ways of doing things.   You may not always have a plan, but it is great when it comes together!   https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-bautista-65a256157/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alfredo-Bautista-2 https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/riya20   #inte

In today’s Think Education podcast episode @ProfChrisHill talks to Joyce Achampong (@Intl_HE) Associate Director EMEA, Executive Director and Founder of PIVOT Global Education Consulting Group about current issues regarding the youth skills agenda and employability. Joyce brought her expertise in design and delivery of learning programme development and her in-depth experience working on grass-root development projects around the world, to offer insight and analysis of where we are, where we should be, and where we might be headed. We discussed the role of higher education in the skills agenda and the disconnect felt in many places around the world in terms of skill readiness and relevance.  Traditional approaches are not agile enough and we need to rethink our approach in many areas. Joyce highlighted the need for contextual understanding to support capacity building. People need to be seen and heard. The bridge doesn’t always need to go from A to B.  It needs to go where it is needed!   #youthskillsagenda #

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