A Pinch of SALT
By Swansea Academy of Learning & Teaching @ Swansea University
A Pinch of SALTJun 14, 2022
Competitive Quizzes - In Conversation with Professor Simon Bott
In this episode, we welcome Professor Simon Bott of Swansea University's Chemistry Department to hear about his experiences of enhancing learning using quizzes in his lectures.
Joining us are some colleagues who are new to teaching - Dr. Bryan Collings (Accounting and Finance) and Dr. Cai Ladd (Geography) - to help us glean what wisdom we can from Simon's 33 years of quizzing experience.
International Women's Day Celebration 2024 #InspireInclusion: Gypsy Roma Traveller Women’s perspective of Higher education
In this episode to celebrate of International Women’s Day 2024 we are joined by Allison Hulmes who shares her insights and experiences of what Gypsy Roma Traveller Women face in Higher education. March 8th is IWD and this year the theme is #InspireInclusion.
Show notes: Allison talks about way we can help #inspire inclusion:
Get to know more about Gypsy Roma Traveller community.
Here is a good film with representation and also Margaret Greenfields, one of the founders of the pledge. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) access to education, 7 July 22 (youtube.com)
This is a great film by Marie Bowers who is Romany and supports stem subjects Engaging with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater groups | Marie Bowers | RSB Connect 2021 (youtube.com)
Learn what one university is doing well to support GTRSB in Higher Education by taking the pledge
Yn y bennod hon i ddathlu Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod 2024, mae Allison Hulmes yn ymuno â ni i rannu ei syniadau a'i phrofiadau o'r hyn y mae Menywod o’r gymuned Sipsiwn, Roma a Theithwyr yn ei wynebu mewn addysg uwch. Mae Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod ar 8 Mawrth a’r thema eleni yw #ysbrydoli cynhwysiant.
Nodiadau Rhaglen: Mae Allison yn siarad am sut y gallwn helpu i ysbrydoli cynhwysiant i’r gymuned Sipsiwn, Roma a Theithwyr:
Dysgwch fwy am y gymuned Sipsiwn, Roma a Theithwyr.
Dyma ffilm dda gyda chynrychiolaeth a hefyd Margaret Greenfields, un o sylfaenwyr yr addewid Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) access to education, 7 July 22 (youtube.com)
Mae hon yn ffilm wych gan Marie Bowers sy'n Romani ac yn cefnogi pynciau stem. Engaging with Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater groups | Marie Bowers | RSB Connect 2021 (youtube.com)
Dysgwch beth y mae un brifysgol yn ei wneud yn dda i gefnogi’r gymuned GTRSB mewn addysg uwch drwy wneud yr addewid.
Work-Based Learning
In Episode 54, we hear from staff and students on the work-based learning program, Enhanced Professional Practice, to hear about the unique benefits of learning whilst working.
Ym Mhennod 54, rydym yn clywed gan staff a myfyrwyr ar y rhaglen dysgu seiliedig ar waith ‘Ymarfer Proffesiynol Uwch’, sy'n sôn am fuddion unigryw dysgu wrth weithio.
Video Assessment
In this episode, we discuss how Video Assessments can be used to engage students, develop new skills, and give students a creative means to demonstrate their learning. We are joined by Dr. Sarah Gamble of the School of Culture and Communications, who shares her experiences of deploying Video Assessment, and the response of her students.
Swansea University Staff can access the resource 'Four ways to use Video in Assessment' to find out more, and read further about the video assessment on Sarah's module.
Yn y bennod hon, byddwn yn trafod sut y gellir defnyddio Asesiadau Fideo i ennyn diddordeb myfyrwyr, datblygu sgiliau newydd, a rhoi modd creadigol i fyfyrwyr ddangos eu dysgu. Yn ymuno â ni mae Dr. Sarah Gamble o'r Ysgol Diwylliant a Chyfathrebu, sy'n rhannu ei phrofiadau o ddefnyddio Asesiad Fideo, ac ymateb ei myfyrwyr.
Gall staff Prifysgol Abertawe gael mynediad i'r adnodd i 'Four ways to use Video in Assessment' ddarganfod mwy, a darllen ymhellach am yr asesiad fideo ar fodiwl Sarah.
New Year, New You, New Quizzes?
Dr Jessica Fletcher , Senior Lecturer in Swansea University Medical School, and Melanie Hainke, Senior Academic Developer at SALT, join us to discuss the power of online quizzes to enhance assessment and feedback for both staff and students.
Swansea University Staff can find guides about using the New Quiz engine in Canvas on the Using Canvas resources page.
A Classroom Melody
In episode 51 of A Pinch of SALT, Darren and Carys talk to Chris Hall, SALT’s Academic Development Manager about his latest publication, ‘So what? Can we learn anything about university teaching from jazz?’. Through examining the four building blocks of jazz music (improvisation, mistakes, collaboration and leadership), the author provides a compelling insight into how the music genre has a lot to teach us about university teaching.
You can read "So what? Can we learn anything about university teaching from jazz?" Open Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. 2, 3 (Jul. 2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.56230/osotl.38
Artificial Intelligence and Assessment
In this episode we are joined by Simon Gibbon, Professor Phil Newton, and Phil Maull to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence upon assessment security, and the recent publication of guidance for staff looking to redesign assessments in the age of AI.
There are many helpful resources and services referenced in this episode that Swansea University Staff can access here:
- Guidance for Staff: Enhancing Assessment Security and Ethical Artificial Intelligence Use for 2023-24
- SALT's Artificial Intelligence Resources Area
- Sign up to any of the upcoming 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' workshops via our Eventbrite page.
- Book a 1:1 appointment with a colleague from SALT to discuss Assessment Redesign.
Yn y bennod hon, bydd Simon Gibbon, yr Athro Phil Newton, a Phil Maull yn ymuno â ni i drafod effaith deallusrwydd artiffisial ar ddiogelwch asesiadau, a chyhoeddiad diweddar canllawiau i staff sydd am ailgynllunio asesiadau yn oes DA. Mae llawer o adnoddau a gwasanaethau defnyddiol y cyfeirir atynt yn y bennod hon y gall Staff Prifysgol Abertawe eu cyrchu yma (adnoddau yn Saesneg):
- Canllaw i Staff: Gwella Diogelwch Asesu a Defnydd Deallusrwydd Artiffisial Moesegol ar gyfer 2023-24
- Ardal adnoddau deallusrwydd artiffisial SALT
- Cofrestrwch ar gyfer unrhyw un o'r gweithdai 'Cyflwyniad i Ddeallusrwydd Artiffisial' sydd ar ddod trwy ein tudalen Eventbrite
- Archebu apwyntiad 1:1 gyda chydweithiwr o SALT i drafod Ailgynllunio Asesiad.
Empowering Neurodiverse Students
In this episode, we hear from Dr. David Playfoot and Prof. Jo Berry about strategies we can incorporate into our teaching practice that empower neurodiverse students to succeed at university.
You can also check out the TILE Seminar, “Supporting Neurodiversity in Education” that David refers to in this episode.
Yn y bennod hon, clywn gan Dr. David Playfoot a'r Athro Jo Berry am strategaethau y gallwn eu hymgorffori yn ein hymarfer addysgu sy'n grymuso myfyrwyr niwroamrywiol i lwyddo yn y brifysgol.
Gallwch hefyd edrych ar y Seminar TILE, “Cefnogi Niwroamrywiaeth mewn Addysg” y mae David yn cyfeirio ato yn y bennod hon.
Teaching Fundamentals
Teaching fundamentals is a new series of staff development sessions from SALT which aim to consider aspects of learning, teaching and assessment which are fundamentals to student experience and success. In this episode of A Pinch of SALT, we hear from Suzanne Wells – an organiser of the series – and Kate Ellis-Davies, who will be sharing her experiences of large group teaching and strategies for formative assessment at the first session of the Teaching Fundamentals series.
Swansea University Staff can book onto the Teaching Fundamentals series through SALTs new Learning and Teaching Development Calendar.
Mae Teaching Basics yn gyfres newydd o sesiynau datblygu staff gan SALT sy'n ceisio ystyried agweddau ar ddysgu, addysgu ac asesu sy'n hanfodol i brofiad a llwyddiant myfyrwyr. Yn y bennod hon o A Pinch of SALT, cawn glywed gan Suzanne Wells – trefnydd y gyfres – a Kate Ellis-Davies, a fydd yn rhannu ei phrofiadau o addysgu mewn grwpiau mawr a strategaethau ar gyfer asesu ffurfiannol yn sesiwn gyntaf y Addysgu Hanfodion. cyfres.
Gall staff Prifysgol Abertawe archebu lle ar y gyfres Addysgu Hanfodion trwy Galendr Datblygu Dysgu ac Addysgu newydd SALT.
TEL Tips for 23/24
In this episode, SALT's technology enhanced learning team return to A Pinch of SALT to share their top tips for getting the most out of tech in teaching in the new academic year. Their recommendations cover new tools, providing a quality experience on our digital learning platforms, and online quizzing.
Active Learning and the Active Learning Network
Today we welcome Tab Betts, co-founder of the Active Learning Network and a Lecturer in Higher Education Pedagogy at the University of Sussex; and Luke O'Sullivan, a Senior Academic Developer from Swansea University's Academy of Learning and Teaching (SALT).
In this episode we discuss how Active Learning pedagogy is a game changer in the classroom, how lecturers can take their first steps in implementing Active Learning approaches, and how we can scale these strategies for use in large lecture theater scenarios.
We also hear about the work of the Active Learning Network, the ways in which colleagues in education can benefit from their activities, and the opportunities for staff to get involved and contribute to the life of the network. To find out more:
- Visit the Active Learning Network website
- Contact activelearningnetwork@gmail.com
- Follow @ActiveLearnNTW on Twitter/X
- Sign up to the Active Learning Network JISCMail group
Swansea University staff can access a one-page primer on Active Learning, and contact SALT to get connected with Swansea University's Active Learning community.
Building Community on your Courses
In this episode, we welcome Richard Bayliss and Lisa Thomas of Swansea University's School of Management, and Louise Rees from Swansea Academy of Learning and Teaching. We discuss the importance of building community on our courses, and effective strategies for achieving this both inside and outside of the classroom.
If you'd like to find out more about effective practice in this area, you can check out our elink.io resources for Building Community at the start of your course, and Ongoing tips for Building Community.
Yn y bennod hon, rydym ni’n croesawu Richard Bayliss a Lisa Thomas o Ysgol Reolaeth Prifysgol Abertawe, a Louise Rees o Academi Dysgu ac Addysgu Abertawe. Rydym ni’n trafod pwysigrwydd meithrin ymdeimlad o gymuned ar ein cyrsiau, a strategaethau effeithiol ar gyfer cyflawni hyn yn yr ystafell ddosbarth a’r tu hwnt iddi. Os hoffech chi gael rhagor o wybodaeth am ymarfer effeithiol yn y maes hwn, gallwch edrych ar ein hadnoddau elink.io ar gyfer Building Community at the start of your course, ac Ongoing tips for Building Community.
Assessment Design and Feedback
In this episode, we hear from Matthias Dilling and Zoe Clegg, lecturers and student experience leads in their respective departments. They give us an insight into how they are developing effective practice in Assessment Design and Feedback on their modules, and students’ response to those strategies. They also give us a preview of the feedback workshop they will be delivering at this year’s SALT conference.
Additionally, we hear from Rhian Ellis, a Senior Academic Developer from SALT, about the importance of developing Assessment Design and Feedback practices, and the resources SALT provides to these ends.
Registration to attend this year’s SALT conference is now open. Be sure to book your place to be able to access Matthias and Zoe’s workshop.
Swansea University staff can also find out more about the PGCert, CPD Programmes, ABC learning Design, and other resources on Assessment and Feedback mentioned in this episode via the SALT website.
Yn y bennod hon, cawn glywed gan Matthias Dilling a Zoe Clegg, darlithwyr ac arweinwyr profiad y myfyrwyr yn eu hadrannau penodol. Maen nhw'n rhoi cipolwg i ni ar sut maen nhw'n datblygu ymarfer effeithiol wrth Ddylunio Asesiadau ac Adborth ar eu modiwlau, ac ymateb y myfyrwyr i'r strategaethau hynny. Byddant hefyd yn rhoi rhagolwg i ni o'r gweithdy adborth y byddan nhw'n ei gyflwyno yng nghynhadledd SALT eleni.
Yn ogystal, byddwn yn clywed gan Rhian Ellis, Uwch-ddatblygwr Academaidd yn SALT, am bwysigrwydd datblygu arferion Dylunio Asesiadau ac Adborth, a'r adnoddau y mae SALT yn eu darparu i'r perwyl hwn.
Mae modd cofrestru i fynd i gynhadledd Academi Dysgu ac Addysgu Abertawe (SALT) eleni bellach. Gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod yn cadw eich lle er mwyn cael mynediad at y gweithdy adborth.
Gall staff Prifysgol Abertawe hefyd gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y PGCert, rhaglenni datblygiad proffesiynol parhaus, rhaglen cynllunio dysgu ABC, ac adnoddau asesu ac adborth eraill drwy wefan SALT.
Engaging Learners
Students of higher education have a lot on their minds. So educators can feel as though they are constantly in competition for the engagement of a learner. In this episode we talk with Tamara Lewis and Melanie Hainke – Academic Developers from Swansea University’s Academy of Leaning and Teaching (SALT) - about effective strategies teachers can put into practice to maximise leaner engagement.
You can see access the infographic mentioned in this episode at the following links:
Mark Coleman’s presentation on the use of Slido in large lectures is also available to watch.
Mae gan fyfyrwyr addysg uwch lawer ar eu meddyliau. Gall addysgwyr deimlo eu bod yn cystadlu drwy’r amser am gyfranogiad dysgwr. Yn y bennod hon, rydym yn siarad â Tamara Lewis a Melanie Hainke – Datblygwyr Academaidd o Academi Dysgu ac Addysg Abertawe (SALT) – am strategaethau effeithiol y gall athrawon eu rhoi ar waith i fwyafu cyfranogiad dysgwyr. Gallwch gael mynediad at y ffeithlun a nodwyd yn y bennod hon drwy’r dolenni canlynol:
Mae cyflwyniad Mark Coleman ar y defnydd o Slido mewn darlithoedd mawr hefyd ar gael i’w wylio.
Forging Futures - Work Placement Modules in the Department of History, Heritage and Classics
Darren and Carys talk to Hilary Orange and Richard Hall about convening undergraduate and postgraduate work placement modules. In this episode we also hear about their relationship with local employers, their partnership with professional service teams and the importance of work placement modules more generally for Humanity students.
During the discussion, The Work Placement Showcase event, to be held on 7 June 2023, is mentioned. If you would like further information on this event or any future showcases, please contact Richard Hall (r.c.hall@swansea.ac.uk) or Hilary Orange (hilary.orange@swansea.ac.uk ).
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Mae Darren a Carys yn siarad â Hilary Orange a Richard Hall am drefnu modiwlau lleoliadau gwaith israddedig ac ôl-raddedig. Yn y bennod hon, rydyn ni hefyd yn clywed am eu perthynas â chyflogwyr lleol, eu partneriaeth â thimau gwasanaeth proffesiynol a phwysigrwydd modiwlau lleoliad gwaith yn fwy cyffredinol i fyfyrwyr y Dyniaethau.
Yn ystod y drafodaeth, sonnir am y digwyddiad Arddangos Lleoliadau Gwaith, a gynhelir ar 7 Mehefin 2023. Os hoffech chi gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y digwyddiad hwn neu unrhyw arddangosiadau yn y dyfodol, cysylltwch â Richard Hall (r.c.hall@abertawe.ac.uk) neu Hilary Orange (hilary.orange@abertawe.ac.uk ).
The Climate Emergency - Embedding carbon literacy in our curricula
This episode features two members of Swansea University’s Climate Emergency Education Working Group: its Chair, Phil Brophy, Higher Education Project Manager, and Dr Penny Neyland, Associate Professor in Biosciences, talking about the University’s pilot programme delivering the Carbon Literacy training developed by Manchester Metropolitan University and embedding the climate emergency into HE curricula.
During the editing process, we looked up some details that we couldn’t remember during recording! Phil makes reference to a climate board game, this is called Keep Cool. Pam referred to a paper about embedding sustainability in accounting curricula, this is a 2015 paper by Kala Saravanamuthu
Mae'r rhifyn hwn yn cynnwys dau aelod o Weithgor Addysg Prifysgol Abertawe ynghylch yr Argyfwng Hinsawdd: ei Gadeirydd, Phil Brophy, Rheolwr Prosiect Addysg Uwch, a Dr Penny Neyland, Athro Cysylltiol yn y Biowyddorau, yn siarad am gynllun peilot y Brifysgol sy'n darparu hyfforddiant Llythrennedd Carbon wedi'i ddatblygu gan Brifysgol Fetropolitan Manceinion a sefydlu'r argyfwng hinsawdd mewn cwricwla addysg uwch.
Yn ystod y broses olygu, gwnaethom chwilio am fanylion na allem eu cofio wrth recordio! Mae Phil yn cyfeirio at gêm bwrdd sy'n ymwneud â'r hinsawdd; ei henw yw Keep Cool. Cyfeiriodd Pam at bapur ynghylch sefydlu cynaliadwyedd mewn cwricwla cyfrifeg; dyma bapur o 2015 gan Kala Saravanamuthu
Associate Fellowship for Postgraduate Research Students - Part 2
In the second part of this two-part episode, Carys and Darren continue their conversation about how Postgraduate Research students are able to gain Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
Associate Fellowship for Postgraduate Research Students - Part 1
In this two-part episode, Carys and Darren find out how Postgraduate Research students are able to gain Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Look out for part two at the end of April!
Yn y bennod hon sydd mewn dwy ran, mae Carys a Darren yn dysgu sut gall myfyrwyr Ymchwil Ôl-raddedig gael Cymrodoriaeth Gysylltiol yr Academi Addysg Uwch. Cadwch lygad am ran dau ar ddiwedd mis Ebrill!
Contributing to the SALT Conference
In this episode, Alex meets the team behind SALT's annual teaching and learning conference to find out how staff can present at the event. We also talk to Leah Owen - an academic who presented for the first time at last year's event, to hear about her experiences, and what she has to say to staff considering presenting for the first time.
If you want to apply to contribute to the conference, you can find out more by reading our Call for Papers information page.
International Women's Day 2023
The theme for this year’s International Women's Day is #Embrace Equity. Around the world, people are having meaningful conversations about why equal opportunities aren't enough, and why equal isn't always fair. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action. If we truly believe in, value, and #Embrace Equity, then women are more likely to have access to what's required to succeed. In this episode of a Pinch of SALT Mandy and Rhian talk to Deborah Youngs about being Swansea University’s first woman Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and what IWD 2023 means to her.
Who needs an ally?
What does it take to be an LGBTQ+ Ally? Have you got what it takes? To be an LGBT ally is easy. If you agree in equality and fair treatment in society, of people who identify as LGBTQ+, then already you are an ally. As you sit and listen to this episode you should feel the sense of camaraderie that could be yours. In today’s episode, we talk to David Bolton the LGBTQ+ allies chair, and colleague Maggie Miller, who both work in the School of Management here at Swansea University.
But if you’re going to transform yourself from an armchair supporter to an engaged LGBTQ ally you should consider joining the group and seeing what you can to be more actively supportive of our students and staff from the LGBTQ+ community.
Audience Response Systems...with a twist...
In this episode, Carys and James talk to Alex Bailey about the use of Audience Response Systems in higher education...or do they?
Do you want to be a guest on one of our upcoming episodes? Contact susaltcast@swansea.ac.uk
Questioning Assessment in 2023 and Beyond
In episode 34, Alex and Stuart meet the team that’s challenging everyone to think again about assessment at Swansea University. We find out what they’ve achieved so far, and their plans to continue the conversation in 2023 and beyond.
If you missed it, you can check out the recordings of the original Questioning Assessment panel discussions.
Ym mhennod 34, mae Alex a Stuart yn cwrdd â’r tîm sy’n herio pawb i feddwl eto am asesu ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe. Byddwn yn clywed am yr hyn a gyflawnwyd hyd yma, a’u cynlluniau i barhau â’r sgwrs yn 2023 a’r tu hwnt.
Os colloch chi’r sesiwn, gallwch wrando ar recordiadau o’r trafodaethau panel Cwestiynu Asesu gwreiddiol.
Inclusive Services at Swansea University
There are a number of Support Services at Swansea University who strive to make our student’s experience a inclusive and rewarding one. There is also another less formal group who dedicate their time to promote inclusive behaviour and attitudes amongst Professional Services staff and service users and to create a positive and inclusive learning environment in libraries and other university services. The Inclusive Services Group supports the University in its objective to realise the potential of all students and staff whatever their protected characteristic (age, sex, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion and belief). In this episode Mandy and Pamela talk to the group’s chair Philippa Price and the secretary Tina Webber, to learn more about some of the projects that the group have been involved with recently.
Please find links to some of the resources mentioned in this episode:
Inclusive Services Group Ethos
If you would like to learn more about the Inclusivity Badge you can read how it came about on SALT’s Blog, and if you would like to know more about how to get your own, you can self-enrol on the Canvas module CPD – Inclusive Practice course.
Mae yna sawl Gwasanaethau Cymorth ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe sy'n ymdrechu i wneud profiad ein myfyriwr yn un cynhwysol a gwerth chweil.
Mae grŵp arall llai ffurfiol hefyd sy'n rhoi o'u hamser i hyrwyddo ymddygiad ac agweddau cynhwysol ymhlith staff a defnyddwyr Gwasanaethau Proffesiynol ac i greu amgylchedd dysgu cadarnhaol a chynhwysol mewn llyfrgelloedd a gwasanaethau eraill y brifysgol. Mae'r Grŵp Gwasanaethau Cynhwysol yn cefnogi'r Brifysgol yn ei hamcan i wireddu potensial pob myfyriwr ac aelod o'r staff beth bynnag fo'u nodwedd warchodedig (oedran, rhyw, hil, ailbennu rhywedd, anabledd, cyfeiriadedd rhywiol, priodas neu bartneriaeth sifil, beichiogrwydd a mamolaeth, crefydd a chred). Yn y bennod hon mae Mandy a Pamela yn siarad â chadeirydd y grwp, Philippa Price a'r ysgrifennydd Tina Webber, i ddysgu mwy am rai o'r prosiectau y mae'r grŵp wedi bod ynghlwm â nhw yn ddiweddar.
Dewch o hyd i ddolenni at rai o'r adnoddau a drafodwyd yn y bennod hon:
What's Happening on A Pinch of SALT in 2023?
Happy New Year from all of us at a Pinch of SALT! In this episode, Alex and Mandy take a look back at some of their favourite episodes of 2022, get excited about what’s coming up in 2023, and talk about how those in the Swansea University community can get involved with the podcast this year.
Got an idea for an episode? Please get in touch at susaltcast@swansea.ac.uk.
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda gan bawb yn Pinch of SALT! Yn y bennod hon, bydd Alex a Mandy yn edrych yn ôl ar rai o'u hoff benodau o 2022, yn cyffroi am yr hyn sydd i ddod yn 2023, ac yn siarad am sut gall cymuned Prifysgol Abertawe gymryd rhan yn y podlediad eleni.
Oes gennych chi syniad am bennod? E-bostiwch ni yn susaltcast@abertawe.ac.uk
Playful Learning in Higher Education - Part 2
In the second part of this two-part episode, Alex and Carys continue their conversation with Academic Developers Liza Penn-Thomas and Pamela Styles regarding their creative use of playful learning techniques in teaching. We hear all about the benefits, potential pitfalls, and strategies for incorporating playful approaches into our practice.
Playful Learning in Higher Education - Part 1
In the first part of this two-part episode, Alex and Carys speak with Academic Developers Liza Penn-Thomas and Pamela Styles regarding their creative use of playful learning techniques in teaching. Part one introduces playful learning techniques, and how they are received by learners.
The Language of Creativity: a new road to employability
Liza and Carys talk to members of the team behind the education strand of one of the biggest literary prizes in the world for young writers, the Dylan Thomas Prize. In this episode we hear how it encourages students to develop their creative voices and provides an authentic insight into the publishing industry. They also explore the importance of hyper contemporary literature and the role of creativity in higher education.
Mae Liza a Carys yn siarad ag aelodau'r tîm sy'n gyfrifol am yr agwedd addysgol ar un o'r gwobrau llenyddol mwyaf yn y byd ar gyfer ysgrifenwyr ifanc, Gwobr Dylan Thomas. Yn y bennod hon, byddwn yn clywed sut mae'n annog myfyrwyr i ddatblygu eu lleisiau creadigol ac mae'n darparu cipolwg go iawn ar y diwydiant cyhoeddi. Maen nhw hefyd yn archwilio pwysigrwydd llenyddiaeth hollol gyfoes a rôl creadigrwydd mewn addysg uwch.
International Men's Day 2022
International Men's Day is important. In today's episode, Alex and Mandy talk with some male colleagues to discuss the unique challenges facing men, their manifestation in Higher Education, and the services available at the university to help students and staff experiencing mental health issues.
Reaching Wider at Swansea University
In this episode, Mandy talks to Alice Davies to find out about the work the University does to widen access to Higher Education, and the ways in which staff and students can get involved with encouraging children from certain backgrounds that University is an opportunity for them.
Yn y bennod hon mae Mandy yn siarad ag Alice Davies am yr hyn y mae'r Brifysgol yn ei wneud i ehangu mynediad at Addysg Uwch a'r ffyrdd y gall staff a myfyrwyr gymryd rhan wrth annog plant o gefndiroedd penodol fod mynd i'r Brifysgol yn gyfle iddynt.
Microcredentials and Microprovision: The Next Frontier in Welsh Higher Education
In this episode, Alex and Mandy catch up with a group of colleagues who recently presented on the far-reaching potential of Microcredentials and Microprovision at the SALT Learning and Teaching Conference. They’ve have kindly agreed to come on the show to give us an insight into why Microcredentials and Microprovision are the future of university provision, the benefits to learners, and the ways teaching staff can get involved in delivering them.
Yn y bennod hon, mae Alex a Mandy’n cwrdd â grŵp o gydweithwyr a gyflwynodd botensial pellgyrhaeddol microgymwysterau a microddarpariaeth yng Nghynhadledd Dysgu ac Addysgu SALT yn ddiweddar. Maen nhw wedi cytuno’n garedig i ddod ar y sioe i roi cipolwg i ni ar pam mai microgymwysterau a microddarpariaeth yw dyfodol darpariaeth y brifysgol , y manteision i ddysgwyr a’r ffyrdd y gall staff addysgu gymryd rhan wrth eu cyflwyno.
Societies and the Student Experience
Societies at Swansea University are described by some as the heartbeat of its student experience. Two people that subscribe to this school of thought are Esyllt Rosser and Gwern Dafis, who are the outgoing and incoming Societies and Services officers for Swansea University’s Students’ Union. In this episode, they tell us all about the value added by societies at Swansea, and the ways in which these vital micro-communities can benefit students, staff and more.
Find out more on the Students’ Union Societies webpages.
Ship-shape in Swansea Fashion: The Learning Environment at Sea
This episode of a Pinch of SALT was recorded on Swansea University’s Research Vessel, the RV Mary Anning. It gives an insight into the work of the vessel and the experience, knowledge and skills of the vessel’s staff and how they contribute to the teaching and learning environment and the student experience at Swansea.
Binary Inspiration: Technocamps and the Computer Science Degree Apprenticeship
In this episode Mandy & Stuart talk to two colleagues from the Computer Science department here at Swansea University, Casey Hopkins and Luke Clement about Technocamps and the Degree Apprenticeship.
They share with us their passion for developing programming skills with children from an early age, and discuss the future of the programme and their own personal journey with Technocamps so far.
Yn y bennod hon , mae Mandy & Stuart yn siarad â dau gydweithiwr o'r adran Gyfrifiadureg yma ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe, Casey Hopkins a Luke Clement am Technocamps a'r Brentisiaeth Gradd.
Maent yn rhannu gyda ni eu hangerdd dros ddatblygu sgiliau rhaglennu gyda phlant o oedran cynnar, ac yn trafod dyfodol y rhaglen a'u taith bersonol eu hunain gyda Technocamps hyd yn hyn.
Motivated To Inspire
In this episode, Mandy talks to Emma James, she's a senior lecturer in accounting and finance here at Swansea University. She is a professionally qualified accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. She is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, and has a wealth of industrial experiences, which she enjoys sharing with her students in creative ways.
Her innovative teaching methods and specialist knowledge of e-learning have enabled her to deliver record results in terms of degree outcomes and student feedback. The modules Emma has created have been singled out by employers for their vocational value. They are praised by students who have identified these modules as giving them an employability edge.
Emma has received many awards for her contributions to teaching, including the university-wide excellence in learning and teaching award. Listen to this episode to find out more, and hopefully be inspired.
Art Work from Miguel Bruna
Reflecting on our annual Learning and Teaching Conference
The SALT conference is an opportunity for us to showcase the very best practice in learning and teaching from colleagues across the university. It’s a chance to inspire, to be inspired, and sharpen one another in our craft. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting with some colleagues without whom the conference simply does not happen, to hear about this year's conference, and to hear their highlights of #SUSALT22.
Time of your Life?
With any major transition in our lives, there is the potential for feelings of grief, or deep sadness in response to something we’ve lost. We often associate grief with the loss of a loved one, but grief can also come with other transitions: leaving university, losing a job, divorce, children leaving home, menopause and retirement qualify as major life transitions.
These transitions can cause can great turmoil. There are so many aspects of our lives that can be affected: physical, emotional, behavioural, social, confidence, self-perception, worries about how others perceive you, coping with stress & anxiety, dealing with embarrassing and sensitive symptoms, lack of control, tolerance levels, coping with the feeling you’re not understood/it’s not acceptable to let things affect your work, I’m sure that we can all identify with this in some way or another.
In this episode have the Reverend Mandy Williams and Colette Leleu here to chat to us about some of these changes in life, the impact that can have on the individual and those around them, and to share what help and support there is here in the university. So welcome to a Pinch of SALT once again Mandy & Colette.
Doing Blended Learning well, with TEL
In 2020, Swansea University adopted a new Digital Learning Platform, moving from Blackboard to Canvas. To ensure the transition was as smooth as it could possibly be, the University assembled a project team of individuals who are passionate about Technology in education. Over the past couple of years, the team has evolved, adapted, and supported staff to launch out into the world of online learning in the face of one of the most challenging events in recent history – the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the former Canvas Project Team have since joined a group of Academic Developers within SALT called the Technology Enhanced Learning team, who bring together a great wealth of practical technological experience with a strong knowledge of pedagogy within Technology Enhanced Learning. We have the privilege of meeting some of them today to talk about their journey, how they support staff across the university, and best practice in blended learning.
Swansea staff can access the TEL dev team's provisions or find out more about engaging in ABC learning design.
Episode art by cottonbro from Pexels
Reminiscing the First Year of the Podcast
We began planning A Pinch of SALT a little over a year ago February 2021 and published our first episode in July 2021. We opened with Swansea's Pro-Vice Chancellor of Learning and Teaching professor Martin Stringer which was the perfect start to the collection. So far, we have managed to capture staff and student voices from a range of perspectives, with many more in the pipeline. In this episode, Mandy Jack shares a few of her favourite episodes, although she admits it was difficult to choose. We would also like to take this opportunity to get you to share your favourites and to suggest topics for future episodes too. Also if you’d like to be a guest or you have a suggestion for a topic please get in touch by emailing the SALT Podcast Team at susaltcast@swansea.ac.uk
Juggling Commitments: Gaining a PGCert HE on the job
Studying for a PGCert in teaching in higher education provides an important grounding in teaching techniques, approaches, and theories and supports the continuing development of your teaching practice. Some might argue, that it is a vital developmental qualification for both new members of academic staff who are just embarking on a career in Higher Education, as well as those who may have been teaching for a while but have had no formal guidance in learning and teaching strategies. However, starting a new job, often in a new area and sometimes in a new country is hard enough, but to do that alongside gaining a qualification is a tough ask. So how is it done? In today’s episode, we talk to four newly qualified staff here at Swansea University. We have Dr. Tegwen Malik who lecturers in the School of Management, Dr. Jennifer Thompsona lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Shirin AlexanderSenior Lecturer in Energy Safety Research, and Chemical Engineering, and Dr. Pete Arnold Senior Lecturer, in Health Data Science. Together they share how they juggle the day job whilst becoming a student again.
Recognition Uncovered: In Conversation with the team behind HEA Fellowship at Swansea University
In this episode we talk to SALT's own team of Academic Developers, supporting the internal HEA Fellowship programmes. A must for anyone thinking of pursuing a fellowship application, becoming an assessor or simply wishing to find out more about the world of HEA Fellowship here at Swansea!
The Garden University: The Contribution of Swansea University's Grounds and Grounds' Team to Learning, Teaching and Wellbeing.
In this episode we talk with Paul Edwards, Swansea University's longest serving Grounds Manager. We gain an insight into the work of the Grounds Team and explore how the university's two diverse campuses continue to support learning, promote wellbeing and help nurture Swansea's distinctive identity.
Finding a balance - from staff, for staff
Talk about mental health and wellbeing in society has changed, so is it assumed that we are more proactive about asking for help to ensure our own positive metal health? It is fair to say that conversations emerging around mental health and wellbeing are well established on the HE sector’s agenda and have dominated the media, it has even caught the attention of government. But the level of stress among academics in higher education institutions has significantly increased over the past decade. So, what can we do to help ourselves? What is out there for us to help us recognise that we might need help, or to stop us even getting to that stage? Today we talk to about what is going on around us that can offer help in a proactive and maybe even preventative way. Today we are delighted to be speaking to two members of Staff Wellbeing at Swansea University; the Reverend Mandy Williams and Colette Leleu who are part of a group of dedicated individuals that promote health and wellbeing at work. Together they are trying to improve our workplace culture with a special emphasis on health and wellbeing. If you are staff at Swansea you can find some resources in the Health and Wellbeing section of HR, here is the list of the centre series events.
What International Women's Day 2022 means @Swansea University
For women all over the world, just being a woman can be very hard. Having a special day like International Women's Day means that some of their stories can be told, and those more fortunate can learn and begin to understand how privileged we are. In today's episode, we celebrate being a woman in higher education. We discuss our fortunate position, of living in a country where higher education is not just a male opportunity. We share our varied experiences from a range of perspectives of university life. On the podcast today Rhian Ellis and Mandy Jack talk to Sophie Leslie Student Partnership and Feedback Development Office, Liza Leibowitza former Swansea University student and the welfare officer for Swansea University students union, Saabina Abubaker second year student studying psychology and sociology; Dr Helen Williams lecturer in people and organization, based in the school of management, Professor Yamni Nigam faculty of medicine, health, and life sciences and Joanne Parfitt Head of English Language Training Services. Together we show how far we have come from the London 9 back in 1869, but how much there is still to do. #BreakTheBias
Living Books Event at Swansea University
This is a special episode today where we're promoting our Living Books event, which is taking place on the 23rd of March. So what is a Living Book? We got our inspiration for the event from the Danish organisation The Human Book Library. So essentially in the true sense of the word, it is a library of real people, with real stories to tell. On the 23rd of March, readers can borrow 'books', our human volunteers, and have conversations they would not normally have access to. It is a safe space where difficult questions are expected, appreciated, and answered.
It's the second time we've held an event like this at Swansea University. So, we're fortunate to have some of last year's books here to chat to us about why they offered to be part of the library, and what they got from the experience. We also have, one of this year's books with us, so, we can hear a little bit about what is to come up in March. I feel like I'm in a bit of a magic library at the moment.
Talking about their experiences from last year's event are: the event organiser, Philippa Price - Subject Librarian; Mohsen Elbeltagi - Muslim Chaplain Campus Life team member; Theresa Ogbekhiulu - Senior Project Manager for Race Equality and Professor Martin Stringer - Pro-Vice-Chancellor For Education. We also have Dr Gareth Noble Associate Professor and Director for Postgraduate Taught Studies at Swansea University Medical School who gives us a snippet into what his book is about and why he wanted to be a part of this year's event.
To join us on 23rd of March 2022 you will need to register and choose a 'book' to read. So listen well and come along in March and become better read! Peruse the blurb of the books confirmed for this year's event.
#InclusiveSwanseaUni #BetterRead #LivingBooks2022
What's in a name? The Richard Burton Archives at Swansea University
Today we are talking to Archivists at the Richard Burton Archives, here at Swansea University. This enthusiastic and engaging team of archivists have come here today to share their passion for the wonderful resources that are held within the archives and to share ways in which these artifacts, not only of local and regional, but also national significance, can offer a unique opportunity to enhance the student learning experience. So a warm welcome to Katrina, Emily, and Stacy, the Richard Burton Archivists. Please follow the team on Twitter @SwanUniArchives, read the blog, or peruse the LibGuides to find out more!
It's more than just Grammar, Grandma. Centre for Academic Success: Supporting Students, Supporting Teachers Supporting Students
In this episode we speak with Pete Hanratty from Swansea University's Centre for Academic Success about the evolution of the unit and learn that their ever expanding offerings support students in far more than just basic essay writing skills
Media, innovation and creativity
Today I am talking to Georgios Dimitropoulos. He is the manager and inspiration behind the Media Suite Innovation Lab at Swansea University. Georgios an academic, a joint sector entrepreneur, and a documentary filmmaker and producer, he is also the Founder of kefalonia.com, which provides a beautiful insight to its amazing Greek Island, he is Co-founder of 4theRegion, the new Centre for Regional Engagement for South West Wales, and Founder of Gŵyr a collection of films and documentaries about the Gower, Swansea Bay and South & West Wales. Lucky for us Georgios has been working at Swansea University since 2016 sharing his talents and passion for creative innovations. Georgios’ research project explores the significant challenges facing Wales from a socio-economic perspective where he brings contributors together from the academic, private, public, and third sector bodies. So many things to talk about today, so let’s find out how it all began. If you want to know more or follow Georgios' work here are some useful links for you:
Latest Documentary Films
Welsh Affairs Documentary Series (welshaffairs.com)
Welsh Affairs Pandemic Impact on Higher Education 25 Minute Version
Gwyr Film Series Web Site (gwyrfilms.com)
Latest Academic Content
HEA Fellowship and Beyond
In this episode we discuss the ongoing influence of achieving HEA Fellowship with Swansea University's Marcela Bezdickova and Charlie Earle. This episode is a must for anyone considering fellowship, in the process of applying or just curious about how HEA fellowship can impact on your professional practice.
The Library - Soul Enhanced Search Engine
In this edition, we speak to Lori Havard, Sarah Jones and James Broomhall from the University's library.
We discover a little about their background and what led them to life within Libraries and explore some of the opportunities presented to us through the services that our own libraries offer.