Resharing via my blog this video I made as a contrbution to discussions we were having in my old job (feels like eons ago) under the banner of ‘freedom to learn’. I’m sharing again because we will soon be sharing a call for contributions to the ‘Freedom to Learn’ conference – save the date 5/4/24 at King’s College London – where will be exploring the following themes:

Themes: 

1. Rekindling a joy of learning: Was there ever a ‘golden age’ where learning for its own sake provided sufficient value? What role does/ could/ should ‘joy’ play in a higher education? Why is there an apparent mental health crisis amongst undergraduate students? How can we innovate for joyful learning (and teaching)?
2. Decentring grades: Realising ungrading possibilities from the micro (one class) to the meso (whole modules) through to the macro (entire programmes or even institutions). Why is there so much resistance? What are the barriers to change and how might they be overcome? To what extent can change happen given the current status quo? Do we need a grading revolution or how might we chip away?

3. Caring and compassionate pedagogies: Is content still king (or queen)? How far have we realised an endeavour to weave care and compassion into our learning designs, teaching and assessments? What else could we do? Where are the pitfalls?
4. Myth Busting the modern academy: “We’ve always done it that way!” “We’re not allowed to change!” “Employers want….” “PSRBs want….” “ Students want…” “A degree is all about employability” A lot of what we hear when discussing change is responded to with arguments like this.Why? Is tradition a strong reason to stick with convention? Are the best pedagogies those that favour economies of scale? How far do structures really impede innovation and transformation? What are you doing? What would you like to do?