Thread by @Usherwood

Sorry not be able to stay for rest of #STLCC2019, but thanks for the very warm welcome from @solentuni @osamasmkhan and the entire L&T community there.

A couple of thoughts:

1/

I was really struck by how many people asked afterwards about how I can feel comfortable sharing my weaknesses as a lecturer. I'm lucky I have the track-record to allow for latitude on failure, but all of us need to recognise that we're not going to get it right 1st time

2/

If you're starting out, then I'd say it's a matter of demonstrating that your efforts to change up your L&T practice are thoughtful and considered: seek out help beforehand, get managers to agree support and, if it does go wrong, show you're addressing that

3/

Second big thing is to underline that there's no silver bullet to teaching: some things work, some of the time, with some people. There is a value in giving students a variety of pedagogic experiences, because it'll develop more-rounded learning

4/

I really like that L&T is generally v.good about sharing materials and approaches, so use stuff other people have done and make it work for you: you don't have to reinvent the wheel at all

5/

With that in mind, I'll point you to @SolentLearning materials on their site, and to my own stuff with @ALPSblog (activelearningps.com)

(and yes, you're very welcome to write a blog for us)

6/

Finally, do it because you like doing it.

I have consistently ignored my various line managers over the years, who told me to drop the L&T thing and focus on my 'proper' research

That's not what I wanted to do, and I'm glad I stuck with it

7/

L&T research, and improving your own practice, matter for your students, but also for you. so take the time you need to make that work.

8/

And on that note, I shall say thanks again and wish you all the best for the rest of #STLCC2019

/end