Believe it or not, you can use conspiracy theories as tools for teachingWhen misinformation is a global risk, critical thinking skills are more vital than ever, writes Malcolm Schofield. Here, he offers techniques from parapsychology and belief studies that can make research and analysis more rigorous Malcolm SchofieldUniversity of Derby
The language of inclusivity is not inclusiveTerms such as equity, diversity and inclusion give the impression that they are dealing with what is present. In fact, EDI work deals with what is absent, writes Pascal Matthias. He offers ways to think, speak and write differentlyPascal MatthiasUniversity of Southampton
What we learned from a pilot study aimed at getting first-generation students into pharmacyMany students have little knowledge of the role and career opportunities of a pharmacist. This is even more so the case for first-generation studentsCarl Harrington, Rosemary Norton The University of East Anglia
Use technology to boost productivity and beat burnoutAyşe Hyusein advises using a range of techniques and tools for more effective time managementAyşe Hyusein Near East University
Giving graduation a 21st-century makeoverGraduations can be stuffy affairs, writes James Derounian. He suggests that with technological wizardry, student voice and a little awe, universities could add sparkle to the pomp and ritualJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Six ways to boost international student recruitment International students bring diversity, talent and economic value to our universities and society. Here are some ways to encourage them to apply to your institutionSteven McGuireUniversity of Sussex
How to support individuals with hearing loss at your institution Many people with hearing impairments do not think they need support. Here are some ways to provide it Simon HayhoeThe University of Exeter
Four ways universities can enhance their community impactGo beyond the campus walls to enrich the surrounding community educationally, socially and economically. Xiuli Guo outlines howXiuli GuoUniversity of the West of Scotland
Embedding lean practices in higher educationHow can university processes be more efficient and sustainable? Here’s how one continuous improvement team took a viral approach to efficiency through lean thinking, lean leadership and lean toolkitsTammi Sinha, Pete Rykowski , Michael ShawUniversity of Southampton
Conference presentations 101: master the art of speaking to an audienceDon’t get stage fright when it comes to presenting your research. Ayten Ordu offers her tips for preparing for speaking successAyten OrduNear East University
What support students need to succeed in work placementsStudents in work-based learning placements need support before, through and when returning from their experience. Here is advice for universities and academic tutors to maximise the benefits of the opportunity for allSaheda Begum, Zoë AllmanDe Montfort University
Use students to facilitate impactful collaborations that benefit the communityUsing students to connect third-sector organisations with people who can help them brings benefits to all involved. By Martin ParkerMartin ParkerThe University of Bristol
Protect your emotional well-being for a happier writing experienceWriting academic papers can be a long and emotional journey. Burcu Totur Dikmen offers her tips for emotional well-beingBurcu Totur Dikmen Near East University
How Moocs helped a centuries-old institution change its ways Moocs required us to rethink how to create open and free courses that would engage large numbers of learners. Over the years, we’ve adapted our services in response to lessons we’ve learned from our experiments, write Nikki Stuart and Lauren Johnston-Smith Lauren Johnston-Smith, Nikki StuartThe University of Edinburgh
Why you should do a staff mobility programme and how to set one upWhether you participate in an exchange or a traineeship, mobility programmes offer teachers unparalleled growth, but there are obstacles universities should help staff overcomeShelini Surendran, Paul TownsendUniversity of Surrey
Driving change through knowledge: how to increase policy impact Academic research is invaluable in informing governments and leaders so they can make decisions that affect us all. Here, Yaryna Basystyuk offers advice on how to make your research count in the policy world Yaryna BasystyukUniversity of Southampton
A framework for decolonising and diversifying science curriculaActions you can take to make your science curriculum more inclusive and relevant to all studentsAlice Robson , Bronwen Burton , Caroline McKinnon The University of Bristol
Don’t just chat(GPT): turn on critical interrogationCritical thinking is often seen as the antidote to generative AI. But what if educators took it one step further back and aimed to encourage students’ curiosity? Giuseppe Cimadoro explainsGiuseppe CimadoroSt Mary’s University Twickenham
How to build trust as a research supervisor Building trust is a crucial foundation of the supervisor-supervisee relationship. Kingsley Omeihe argues it’s a two-way processKingsley OmeiheUniversity of the West of Scotland
Why your students need to learn the skills of a journalistInterviewing real people to gain original stories and insights is a skill that will serve your students well in the age of AI. Julie Nightingale offers tipsJulie NightingaleNottingham Trent University
In the age of AI, teach your students how to be human Look to the arts to help develop your students’ skills for navigating the real world. Lucy Gill-Simmen proposes her vision of a more well-rounded educationLucy Gill-SimmenRoyal Holloway, University of London
Three ways to use ChatGPT to enhance students’ critical thinking in the classroomThe balance between technology and traditional educational values, as well as ensuring that AI complements, rather than replaces, the human element in education, are the keys to maximising AI’s benefits in the classroom, writes Nikolas DietisNikolas Dietis University of Cyprus
What does a research supervisor do?Research supervisors must learn to be authentic mentors, as well as sharing their experience and knowledge. Robert Crammond reflects on his time in the roleRobert CrammondUniversity of the West of Scotland
In-person events are still necessaryShould academics be travelling to events that could be done virtually? Drawing on her experiences at COP28, Denise Baden shares tips on how to make the most of these events – and why a chance to form alliances, learn from each other and share ideas for action make it worth being presentDenise BadenUniversity of Southampton
Students see the benefits of AI-generated learning contentStudents might already show a preference for AI-generated online learning content, so academic colleagues and institutions need to capitalise on this to improve resource management and staff well-being, write Dean Fido and Gary F. FisherDean Fido, Gary F. FisherUniversity of Derby
How to show you’re the best person for the jobMany applicants struggle to articulate their successes in their applications for a job, promotion or award. Harriet Dunbar-Morris is here to help you make your case Harriet Dunbar-MorrisUniversity of Buckingham
A road map for advancing digital inclusion for your students, staff and communityA multi-departmental and collaborative approach to digital skills training has helped tackle digital exclusion at Staffordshire University. Raheel Nawaz explains the key initiatives Raheel NawazUniversity of Staffordshire
How can we encourage more prospective first-generation students to apply to university?Reflecting on her experiences as a first-generation student and widening participation practitioner, Raeesah Ellis-Haque shares insight into how universities can ensure communications and outreach activities speak to prospective first-generation studentsRaeesah Ellis-HaqueThe University of Bristol
Building trust in research: how effective patient and public involvement can helpInvolving patients and the public in research results in more relevant outcomes and gathers insight into what issues affect and are of importance to them and their communities, writes Gary HickeyGary HickeyUniversity of Southampton
Prepare for promotion: how to develop a strategy for successHow can you ensure you have the best chances of success when applying for a promotion? Here are some tips from careers consultant Eleanor Hennige Eleanor HennigeThe University of Edinburgh
How to embed inclusive recruitment practices in a higher education setting Hiring practices – from job posting to interview – are key to creating a diverse workforce. Here, Damien Page offers advice on how to drive university-wide inclusivity from the classroom to the community Damien PageBuckinghamshire New University
Maximise your research impact with these seven LinkedIn tipsLinkedIn works as a powerful tool for academics who want to share their research, yet self-promotion can be daunting. Here are seven tips to engage with other academics on the platform and define your brandRushana Khusainova, Hannah Robinson , Jacks BennettThe University of Bristol
Hone the story of your career to make a case for promotionReflecting on achievements, considering broader impacts and shaping a narrative that resonates can help you craft a compelling career story that enhances your chances of promotionEleonora Pantano, Rachael LambThe University of Bristol
It’s time to fully support promotions on the education pathwaySpecialist teaching roles such as librarians and learning designers may not map perfectly on to criteria for professorial posts, but they make significant contributions to the student experience and should be rewarded as such, argues Harriet Dunbar-MorrisHarriet Dunbar-MorrisUniversity of Buckingham
The world isn’t sorted into modules, nor should authentic learning be Faculty should combine their modules for an interdisciplinary, real-world based approach to learning, argues Angela Ng Angela NgSingapore Institute of Technology
Five things to know before you launch a research podcastStarting a podcast can open up your research to a new audience. David Allan and Andrew Murray show howDavid Allan, Andrew MurrayUniversity of the West of Scotland
Tips on making professional-looking, engaging videos for online courses Making videos for online classes doesn’t have to be costly. Here are ways to make them look professional on a budgetGeoff Fortescue The University of Edinburgh
How to survive the academic treadmill When working hours are stretched to cover marking, induction and other tasks, what is a busy scholar to do? Here, James Derounian offers suggestions for taking essential downtimeJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
How to create an inclusive learning environment for visually impaired studentsEducators can make all the difference to their visually impaired students’ university experience. Kate Armond explains howKate ArmondSenior lecturer
Building technical skills across universities starts with understanding what is possibleHow can we encourage staff and students to build their technical skills? Inkpath founder John Miles explainsJohn MilesInkpath
Five ways to beat the procrastination monster Writing and procrastination often go together like pen and paper, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, Glenn Fosbraey offers strategies to stop putting off putting words on the pageGlenn Fosbraey University of Winchester
How can universities increase diversity in spin-out founders?Ensuring that all talented researchers can participate in spin-out leadership is core to translating world-leading discoveries into innovative and impactful businesses, writes Simonetta Manfredi in her response to the UK spin-outs reviewSimonetta Manfredi Oxford Brookes University
Get the word out: four ways to communicate with non-academic audiencesSharing scientific research with the wider public can be instrumental in breaking down the barriers to academic work. Ashleigh Johnstone offers adviceAshleigh JohnstoneArden University
How can UK universities support applicants affected by student visa changes?Higher education institutions can help international students feel welcome and valued through their admissions processes, administrative help and public statements, writes Kate MorseKate MorseSheffield Hallam University
The ‘above average’ illusion: tackling overconfidence in the classroomOverconfidence among business graduates can result in costly personal and professional mistakes. Ekaterina Ipatova proposes a new approachEkaterina IpatovaUniversity of Roehampton
How to use YouTube videos in a flipped classroom systemWith students’ attention spans decreasing, it’s important to find engaging ways to help with pre-class preparation, writes Aravind ReghunathanAravind ReghunathanLoughborough University
The four key steps to writing a successful funding bidThe art to writing successful funding bids lies in your vision – and assembling a crack team to enact it. Rob Waterson offers his tipsRob WatersonUniversity of East London
Community organising: a case study in parent engagement Widening participation in higher education and improving the education journeys of young people cannot happen in isolation, writes Michael Bennett. Here, he outlines a programme that connects parents, community groups and the universityMichael BennettKing’s College London
How to foster PhD excellenceHow can PhD supervisors help early career researchers blossom? Support them with finding funding opportunities, understand each doctoral candidate’s motivations and reach out to your own network, suggests Julia HörnleJulia HörnleQueen Mary University of London
Multilayered interventions to foster community relationshipsKey components of positive community engagement include institutional-, faculty- and course-level links, writes Tom Williamson. Here, he offers a road map for embedding universities in their local area and regional economyTom WilliamsonAnglia Ruskin University