On the 10th and 11th September, the TIRI Conference 2024 took place at the University of Bolton (UoB). This two-day event brought together educators, researchers, industry practitioners, academic leaders and professional services colleagues to explore this year’s theme, “Embracing the Fundamentals: Shaping the Future of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education”.
TIRI refers to the UoB’s “Teaching Intensive, Research Informed” approach, which aims to achieve overall excellence in teaching and student learning. The conference is designed to reflect contemporary issues and policies impacting the higher education sector and foster a collaborative community, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships and professional development.
Attendees enjoyed a thought-provoking programme of keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions and poster presentations. Regent College London (RCL) was proud to be represented by three lecturers from our School of Health and Sports Science – Dr Alicja McGarrigle, Dr Festus Ituah and Amberlee Green – who each delivered a fantastic presentation.
Dr Alicja McGarrigle
“It was my pleasure to present at the TIRI conference,” says Senior Lecturer Dr Alicja McGarrigle. “I had the opportunity to meet many interesting people from various backgrounds. The collaborative atmosphere made the experience truly enriching, and I am grateful for the chance to be part of such a stimulating and engaging dialogue.”
Reflecting on her presentation, titled Digitalisation, AI and the future of work, Alicja says:
“My presentation focused on the need for prioritising digital skills and analytical thinking to prepare students for future employment in the context of the AI era. Despite the digital revolution, human skills will remain indispensable, as companies and institutions will increasingly rely on their employees to contribute high-quality data which is essential to ensure the reliability of AI engines’ analyses.”
Dr Festus Ituah
“This year’s event was filled with engaging sessions, inspiring speakers and insightful discussions,” says Senior Lecturer Dr Festus Ituah. “It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with educators and explore new ideas. Additionally, I am very happy with how my presentation was received.”
Reflecting on his presentation, titled Leveraging artificial intelligence to balance assessment and recognition in higher education: Ensuring fairness and integrity, Festus said:
“This was a collaborative effort between myself and my esteemed colleagues, Dr Tricia Tikasingh and Dr Morris Anglin. Our presentation explored the innovative application of AI technologies in higher education, specifically in the critical areas of assessment and recognition. We discussed how AI can be harnessed to enhance fairness and maintain academic integrity in these processes.”
Amberlee Green
“I loved having the opportunity to connect with our University of Bolton colleagues and engage in spirited discussions,” says Lecturer Amberlee Green. “Plus, my presentation session also sparked discussion around social justice, which led to some important conversations and commitments to more inclusive working in the future, which I was really pleased to see.”
Reflecting on her presentation, titled The duality of preservation: Bringing psychological safety to teaching and learning as a route to well-being and achievement, Amberlee said:
“My research takes the concept of psychological safety and considers how a nuanced understanding of it could be applied to the teaching and learning experience. I have an additional focus on marginalised groups, such as students and staff of colour, where I ask: What are the implications in higher education environments when psychological safety doesn’t exist?”
“An outstanding, transformative event”
We are immensely proud of our three RCL speakers for delivering engaging presentations that expanded upon this year’s theme of “Embracing the Fundamentals” so effectively.
We have no doubt that Alicja, Festus and Amberlee inspired their fellow educators with their explorations of technology, academic integrity and psychological safety. We look forward to hearing more about the insights they collected throughout the conference and will now apply to their own work.
Dr Morris Anglin, RCL’s Dean of the School of Health and Sports Science, was also in attendance and had this to say about the TIRI Conference 2024:
“It was a pleasure to participate in the conference as one of UoB’s delivery partners. This was an outstanding and transformative event that showcased the university’s academics, student research and innovative practices, while also providing an exceptional platform for collaboration amongst academics and their delivery partner.
The depth of knowledge and the high calibre of presentations truly highlighted the dynamic advancements in teaching, learning and research. This experience has undoubtedly strengthened our commitment to driving excellence and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth within RCL and within the school.”
RCL would like to extend our huge congratulations to everyone who took part in the 2024 TIRI Conference. We are already excited for all that next year’s event will bring!
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