You can view the Virtual Programme Handbook here or scroll through the PDF file below.
Programme to be published soon
Professor Lydia Arnold BA (Hons), PgC, MA, EdD, NTF, PFHEA, CMALT
Professor and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Digital), Harper Adams University.
Higher Education has changed and is changing. Trends in technology, demographics, politics, health, and the environment have a continued impact on us all. Despite the turbulence, the task of building and maintaining academic excellence remains. Innovation is one important strategy adopted by individuals and institutions to help. Yet a constant stream of new ideas and interventions can leave us feeling rather dizzy, even stressed. This talk considers how taking time to reconnect with each other and our values can enable us to build for the future in a way that is both sustainable and rewarding.
In a proposed approach three layers of connection are suggested: me, us, and them.
Professor Lydia Arnold is Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Digital) at Harper Adams University where she leads on: Curriculum development; professional development related to teaching and supporting learning; eLearning; and pedagogic research. Since the beginning of her academic career Lydia has sought out new approaches to teaching and learning. Initially that included producing resources for the fully online undergraduate degree programme Ultraversity - ground-breaking at the time it was conceived. Since then, she has continued to push the boundaries as a developer and change leader. She is currently leading an institutional curriculum review project which has a strong focus on authentic assessment, inclusivity, and manageability. With a first Degree in Geography and Education with Mathematics, from University of Keele and a Doctorate from University of Liverpool, Lydia has a varied discipline background. She is a Principal Fellow, a National Teaching Fellow, and holds Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology. She is active on social media and shares ideas through her long-established blog. Beyond education she enjoys walking, live music, and reading.
Professor Patrick McGhee NTF
Assistant Vice Chancellor (Responsibility for Quality and for Research, University of Bolton) , CBT Therapist, Chartered Psychologist
There is a long tradition of research informing teaching in terms of both process and content, and a recognition that, if done well, RIT can be effective for student learning and staff satisfaction.
But both research and teaching are changing - so how should we review what effective Researched-Informed Teaching might look like in the future, both generally and in the context of TIRI at the University of Bolton?
Professor Patrick McGhee is Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Bolton with responsibility for quality and for research. He is a UK National Teaching Fellow, CBT therapist and chartered psychologist. Educated at the universities of Glasgow and Oxford, he has completed CPD programmes at Harvard Business School and Ashridge. In 2017 he was a Visiting Fellow/Scholar at the universities of Cornell, Yale and MIT in the USA. He has taught, researched or practised in psychology and therapy for 30 years. His first post was as a Research Fellow in Psychiatry and Psychology at St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London. He is the author of Thinking Psychologically (Palgrave) and The Academic Quality Handbook (Routledge) and co-editor of Accounting for Relationships (Methuen). He has been an occasional columnist for The Guardian, the BBC and the Times Higher Education.
Programme to be published soon
Helen Beetham
Researcher and Consultant in Digital Education
What value does university learning have when so much knowledge is available online? What use is expertise, when AI models can produce opinions and solutions that seem, at least on the face of it, to do the job? What, really, does it mean to ‘learn’ in an age of machine ‘learning’? In this keynote, Helen suggests that we should return to some of the fundamentals of student learning. Focusing on student empowerment, and on recognition and accountability in assessment, Helen invites us to see our own disciplinary knowledge and teaching practice as adequate resources for supporting students through ‘disruptive’ times.
Helen Beetham is a researcher and consultant in digital education. She has edited a number of standard texts including Rethinking Pedagogy for a Digital Age with Rhona Sharpe and has published peer-reviewed articles on topics from digital literacy to surveillance pedagogies, and from curriculum practice to feminist theories of technology.
Helen has advised universities in the UK, Europe, Africa and Australasia on their digital education strategies, and has worked for international bodies such as the EU, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Commonwealth of Learning.
Since 2004 she has played a leading role in Jisc programmes, building capacity for digital transformation in universiti es, and helping to centre the student experience in strategic thinking. Her Digital Capabilities framework is widely used in universities, in and beyond the UK.
Helen is currently completing a book ‘Teaching Critical Subjects in the Digital University’ on developing students’ critical digital literacies through subject teaching. Her substack, Imperfect Offerings, has been recommended by the Guardian/Observer for its ‘wise and thoughtful’ critique of generative AI.
Professor Geoff Baker
Academic Director, University of Bolton
This keynote will draw upon qualitative data to explore perceptions of adaptive teaching in Russell Group and post-1992 universities. It will consider perceptions of adaptive teaching and what, if any, place such a paradigm should have in higher education. This keynote will go on to explore different approaches that might be used to maximise learning opportunities for all learners, promoting access and challenge in Higher Education. It links with the conference theme of Building Academic Excellence, offering insights on an aspect of practice that is commonly poorly understood in higher education and, in some areas, holds a disputed place.
Geoff is University Academic Director and Head of the School of Education at the University of Bolton. Over nearly 20 years, he has held academic posts at the University of Nottingham, Keele University, the University of East Anglia and Liverpool Hope University. His research interests are diverse, and he has published widely in the fields of history, theology and education respectively having written or edited seven books (including his monograph Reading and Politics in Early Modern England published by Manchester University Press) and many book chapters and articles. He is currently completing projects on adaptive teaching in higher education and AI and teacher development.
In 2017 Geoff was appointed a National Leader of Education and has since been deployed to support leaders to turn around schools in disadvantage communities and he remains an active Ofsted Inspector. In recognition of his work on transformational leadership in schools Geoff was award a Churchill Fellowship, which he used to complete projects on inclusive leadership in Finland and China.
There will be plenty of opportunities for delegates to network at this conference over both days whilst enjoying refreshments. Here are some key networking events not to miss:
Both events will take place at the Pro Vice Chancellor's Courtyard, Senate House.
1. When and where will the conference take place?
The conference will take place on 10th & 11th September 2024 at the University of Bolton's Deane Campus, Senate house. Please check the conference programme for the schedule across both days.
2. How do I locate Senate House if I'm arriving from Bolton Train Station?
Senate House, located on the Deane Campus of the University of Bolton, is approximately a 15-minute walk from Bolton Train Station.
3. How do I access Senate House if I’m traveling by car?
If you are driving to the University of Bolton’s Deane Campus, Senate House is accessible via Deane Road. The campus offers parking facilities (limited and on a first come first serve basis). You can enter the campus via the main entrance on Deane Road. There will be clear signage directing you to Senate House from the car park. Be sure to check for any parking restrictions or requirements prior to your visit.
4. What do I need to do upon arrival at the venue?
Upon arrival at the Senate House building, please report to the main registration desk to collect your badge. You will also be given a voucher if you have indicated you will be requiring lunch or attending the drinks reception (on the 11th September 2024). You do not need to pre-book any sessions you plan to attend. All sessions and activities are available on a first come first serve basis. We anticipate the conference programme to run as scheduled. However, if there are any last minute changes due to unavoidable circumstances, we will announce it during the morning welcome and signpost where necessary.
5. How can I access WIFI during the conference?
If you are an academic member of staff or a student, please select EDUROAM network from your WIFI settings and use your institutional log in details to access WIFI on campus. Alternatively, please ask at registration desk as there will be a member of the conference team and student volunteers available to support with IT related enquiries.
6. What is the theme of the TIRI Conference 2024?
The theme for the TIRI Conference 2024 is "Embracing the Fundamentals: Shaping the Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education." The conference will explore four key sub-themes:
Building Academic Excellence
Broadening Student Empowerment
Beyond Classrooms
Balancing Assessment and Recognition
7. I have not registered for the conference. Can I still attend online?
You must be registered to attend the conference either on-line or in-person.
8. What types of sessions can I expect at the conference?
The conference will feature a full programme of presentations, lightning talks, posters, and workshops, covering a wide range of topics related to the conference theme and sub-themes.
9. Who should attend the TIRI Conference 2024?
The conference is designed for academics and professional services colleagues in Higher Education who are interested in reflecting on the fundamentals of teaching and learning, sharing innovative practices, and engaging in collaborative practice across the university group and beyond.
10. What should I do if I have questions or need assistance during the conference?
If you have any questions or require assistance during the conference, please visit the information desk at the venue. You can also contact a member of the conference planning committee or one of the TIRI Student Ambassadors, who will be available throughout the event to help with any inquiries or support you may need. Alternatively, you can e-mail us using address below (please note, there may be a delay in responding to e-mails during the conference).
E-mail: tiriconference@bolton.ac.uk
11. Is the conference venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, we have wheelchair access to the Senate House building. You will also find an accessible toilet on the ground floor and a lift to access break out session rooms on the 2nd floor. If you require any assistance, please ask a member of the team at the conference registration desk or a member of staff at the Senate House reception desk.
12. Where can I find the conference schedule?
The detailed schedule, including registration times, keynote sessions, breakout sessions, and networking events, is provided in the conference programme on this webpage. It is available to access electronically on the conference website: www.tiriconference.co.uk (programme section).
You can also pick up a hardcopy of the conference programme from the registration desk on the conference days.
13. Who are the keynote speakers, and what topics will they cover?
The TIRI Conference 2024 will feature several distinguished keynote speakers over the two days. Below are the details:
· Professor Lydia Arnold
o Topic: "Creating Connected Community"
o Date/Time: 10th September, 10:15 - 10:55
o Location: Deane Lecture Theatre (F2-02)
· Professor Patrick McGhee
o Topic: "How Can Research Improve Excellence, Empowerment, and Enhancement in Teaching and Learning?"
o Date/Time: 10th September, 16:00 - 16:40
o Location: Deane Lecture Theatre (F2-02)
· Helen Beetham
o Topic: "Against ‘Disruption’: How Can We Value Learning at University?"
o Date/Time: 11th September, 10:15 - 10:55
o Location: Deane Lecture Theatre (F2-02)
· Professor Geoff Baker
o Topic: "Adaptive Teaching in HE: Preconceptions and Practice"
o Date/Time: 11th September, 14:45 - 15:25
o Location: Deane Lecture Theatre (F2-02)
14. What are the sub-themes of the conference, and what topics do they cover?
Building Academic Excellence: Focuses on evidence-based innovations in course design and delivery, including transformative pedagogical strategies, digital learning tools, adaptive assessment techniques, and research-informed curriculum design.
Broadening Student Empowerment: Emphasizes providing students with tools and opportunities to excel, including access to resources, mentorship, collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment.
Beyond Classrooms: Explores enhancing student outcomes beyond traditional classroom settings through experiential learning, internships, and project-based learning.
Balancing Assessment and Recognition: Discusses maintaining fairness and integrity in assessment practices, inclusive test designs, academic integrity, and the role of technology in assessment.
15. What are the details of the Parallel Sessions during the conference?
The TIRI Conference 2024 will feature various parallel sessions across both days, organised by different themes. Instructions for joining the conference keynotes and parallel sessions virtually will be shared with all delegates via email and published closer to the conference dates.
Below are the correct details:
Day 1: 10th September 2024
· Themes A & C: Parallel Session P1
o Room: D1-08
o Chair: Associate Professor Dr. Sarah Telfer
· Theme B: Parallel Session P2
o Room: D2-04
o Chair: Assistant Professor Joey Weber
· Themes C & D: Parallel Session P3
o Room: D2-06
o Chair: Associate Professor Dr. Andy Baldwin
Day 2: 11th September 2024
· Themes A & B: Parallel Session P4
o Room: D1-08
o Chair: Assistant Professor Dr. Scott Threlfall
· Theme B: Parallel Session P5
o Room: D2-04
o Chair: Assistant Professor Joey Weber
· Theme C: Parallel Session P6
o Room: D2-06
o Chair: Associate Professor Dr. Joanne Smith
16. Do I need a voucher for lunch and the drinks reception?
Yes. If you have registered for the conference and indicated you need lunch on either or both days and would be attending the drinks reception, you will be provided with a voucher. Just ask at the registration desk and have your conference name badge ready.
17. When will the BBQ and Drinks Reception take place?
BBQ Lunch: The BBQ lunch will take place on 10th September during the first day of the conference. It is scheduled from 12:45 to 13:45 and will be served in the Quad Garden and Studio Gallery (E1-28). This is a great opportunity to enjoy a meal while networking with other attendees.
Drinks and Canape’ Reception: The Drinks Reception is scheduled for 11th September, the second day of the conference, from 16:10 to 17:10. It will be held in the Studio Gallery (E1-28) following the Round Table discussion and will provide an excellent chance for cross-faculty networking and discussing insights gained from the conference activities.
18. What should I do if I have dietary restrictions or special requirements?
If you have indicated any dietary restrictions or special requirements when you registered for the conference, the planning committee and our in-house catering team will do their best to accommodate your needs.
19. How can I stay updated on conference announcements?
Stay updated on conference announcements by checking your email for updates from the conference planning committee or by visiting the conference website. You can visit the website at www.tiriconference.co.uk. You can also connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn using the #TIRIConf24:
X/Twitter @TIRIConference
LinkedIn : TIRI Conference
linkedin.com/in/tiri-conference-9abb2b319
20. Where will the parallel workshops take place on the conference days?
All workshops are scheduled to take place in the following rooms on times mentioned:
Day 1: 10th September, Time: 11.15am-12.05pm
Room D1-36 (Theme A with Dr Aneeta Khoso)
Room D1-42 (Theme C with Robert Thomas)
Room D1-46 (Theme C with Dr Mark Holland)
Day 2: 11th September, Time: 12:00 - 12.40pm
Room D1-36 (Theme A with Sinead English)
Room D1-42 (Theme C with Dr Mohammed Sadiq)
Room D1-46 (Theme C with Paloma Flynn)
Room D2-20 (Theme C with Dr Sakinat Baiyewu)
21. I am a presenter, who do I ask for assistance if required, for my presentation?
Presenters are requested to be in their allocated presentation room at least 10 minutes before the presentation begins so that the session chairs and student volunteers can help with any IT set up if required. If you have any handouts to distribute to delegates for your presentation, please ensure these printed beforehand. We would like all sessions to run smoothly as scheduled and as such your cooperation on this matter is appreciated.
22. I registered to attend online. Where will I find the joining instructions?
All delegates and presenters who have registered to join the conference online, will receive an e-mail from the conference team with instructions to join the live streaming sessions online on both days. Please bear in mind that some presenters have requested for their sessions not to be live streamed as such there may be few presentations which will not be accessible to delegates registered for online attendance.
These FAQs are designed to provide you with all the necessary information to make the most of your TIRI Conference 2024 experience. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the conference organisers.