Talking Learning and Teaching

Kevin L. Merry

Welcome to Talking Learning and Teaching, a new Podcast all about learning and teaching in Higher Education. During each episode, we will be speaking to a teacher about a different topic related to learning and teaching in UK Higher Education. Whether it's practical ideas that can be used to support student learning, sharing of perspectives on key topics, or insights into future developments, there is something here for everyone with a passion for learning and teaching.

  1. -15 H

    Marking in the Age of AI: One Educator’s Experience with Daisy Bao

    What happens when suspicion of AI use creeps into the marking process? In this episode, Daisy Bao reflects on their first-hand experience of assessing student work where AI may have been involved. We explore the ethical tensions, the emotional weight of navigating suspicion, and the role of policy—or lack thereof—in supporting educators. This candid conversation shines a light on how trust, fairness, and academic integrity are being redefined in the era of generative AI. Daisy Bao is a PhD researcher in Higher Education at the University of Edinburgh, exploring student partnerships and how equity, diversity, and inclusion can shape fairer universities. Before starting her PhD, she worked as a higher education researcher at the Municipal Teacher Professional Education Centre and served on the committee for the municipal supervisor training scheme. She’s passionate about building learning environments where students and staff can thrive together.

    31 min

  2. -6 J

    Dyslexia in Academia: A Journey of Openness and Advocacy with Damian Parry

    In this brilliant episode, Damian Parry shares their lived experience of navigating academia with dyslexia. We explore how neurodivergence shapes scholarship, teaching, and community, while unpacking the stigma that still surrounds disclosure in higher education. From misconceptions to systemic gaps in support, this conversation highlights both the challenges and opportunities for creating a more inclusive academic world. Enjoy this thought provoking episode. Damian Parry is a Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University’s School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences, and a passionate advocate for inclusive education. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, Damian has come to embrace the unique strengths and resilience that dyslexia has helped him forge—alongside the innate problem-solving abilities that have always shaped his approach to learning, teaching, and leadership. Damian’s journey as a dyslexic academic is one of empowerment and transformation. He believes in the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated. His work across the university reflects this ethos—from leading the expansion of the widening participation summer school Programme to a time as Faculty EDI Director and presently the co-chair of the university disability staff network. As an educator, Damian is deeply invested in improving how students engage with feedback. He champions approaches that help learners truly receive feedback and apply it as feedforward, making assessment a more meaningful and rewarding experience for both students and educators. Whether through his roles in curriculum design, student support, or institutional inclusion efforts, Damian brings authenticity, insight, and a deep commitment to equity. His story offers a compelling look at what it means to thrive as a dyslexic academic—and how embracing neurodiversity can transform higher education for everyone.

    43 min

  3. -6 J

    Bonus Episode! Better Assessment in HE Book Launch

    Join me for a special bonus episode as I celebrate the launch of my new book, Better Assessment in Higher Education! In this recording from our live online launch, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the book, key insights on designing meaningful and equitable assessments, and a lively Q&A with educators and assessment leaders. In Better Assessment in Higher Education, I explore how assessment can do more than measure student performance—it can inspire learning, support diverse learners, and align with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. You’ll discover practical strategies for creating accessible, inclusive assessments, empowering students as partners in the process, and integrating assessment seamlessly into instruction to enhance metacognition and differentiated learning. Whether you’re a faculty member, instructional designer, or administrator, this episode will give you actionable takeaways to make assessment more learner-centered, equitable, and impactful. Tune in for insights, conversation, and inspiration straight from the launch of Better Assessment in Higher Education!

    24 min

  4. 18 AOÛT

    Pedagogical Content Knowledge in the Third Space with Erik Brogt

    In this episode, Erik Brogt helps us explore Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) not just as a teaching concept, but as a transformative framework for academic development. Our guest takes us inside the “third space” between academic and professional roles, where collaboration, cultural respect, and distributed expertise come together to enhance teaching practice. From the influence of Māori values like mana and manaaki to real-world examples of co-constructive projects, we unpack how PCK can reshape the way universities think about identity, credibility, and peer partnership in education. Erik Brogt is a consultant in educational, staff, and organisational development at E3 Consulting in Christchurch, New Zealand. He received his MSc in Astronomy from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands and a PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona, USA. He also holds postgraduate qualifications in Strategic Leadership and Industrial and Organisational Psychology. Erik worked as an academic in the field of Academic Development for over 15 years at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. As a scholar-practitioner he studied and taught about teaching and learning in higher education, and supported other academics with teaching, learning, pedagogy, curriculum and assessment design, and scholarship of teaching and learning projects. Erik's research interests are in the psychology of teaching and learning, leadership, and organisational development.

    51 min

  5. 11 AOÛT

    The Attendance Question Part II with Tom Lowe

    In this follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the complex world of student attendance with fresh insights from new research across post-92 universities. Our guest revisits themes of motivation, belonging, and institutional pressure, sharing powerful student voices that reveal the lived realities behind attendance patterns. We explore why the context of post-92 institutions uniquely shapes attendance decisions and unpack how specific teaching practices can either encourage or discourage students from showing up. Is attendance simply a metric, or could it be a valuable form of feedback for educators? We discuss how universities’ attendance policies measure up and whether they truly influence behavior or miss the mark. Finally, we consider the vital role of community and belonging in attendance and highlight the critical conversations universities must have now—with students, staff, and leadership—to foster more meaningful engagement on campus. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges assumptions and invites us to rethink how we support student presence and participation. Tom Lowe has researched and innovated in student engagement across diverse settings for over ten years, in areas such as student voice, retention, employability and student-staff partnership. Tom works at the University of Westminster as Assistant Head of School (Student Experience) in Finance and Accounting where he leads on student experience, outcomes and belonging. Tom is also the Chair of RAISE, a network for all stakeholders in higher education for researching, innovating and sharing best practice in student engagement. Prior to Westminster, Tom was a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education at the University of Portsmouth, and previously held leadership positions for engagement and employability at the University of Winchester. Tom has published two books on student engagement with Routledge; ‘A Handbook for Student Engagement in Higher Education: Theory into Practice’ in 2020 and ‘Advancing Student Engagement in Higher Education: Reflection, Critique and Challenge’ in 2023, and has supported over 40 institutions in consultancy and advisory roles internationally.

    58 min

  6. 7 AOÛT

    Journeys from Student Services to Academia with Carys Kennedy

    In this brand new episode, Carys Kennedy shares reflections on a professional journey from Student Disability Services into academia. Drawing on a background in student support, Carys explores how prior experience continues to shape her identity and practice as an academic - from teaching and course design to student relationships and institutional insight. The conversation considers the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning between professional and academic roles, and what this movement reveals about the structures and assumptions within higher education. Carys invites us to reimagine the boundaries between academic and professional domains, and what it means to carry one role into the other. Enjoy! Carys Kennedy is an educator, coach, and mentor specialising in disability equity and social justice in Higher Education. Carys works as a Senior Lecturer in Creative Education at University of the Arts London, and is a PhD student at the Centre for Disability Studies, University of Leeds.

    37 min

  7. 7 JUIL.

    Back in Session: New Ideas, New Courses, and a Big Year Ahead

    Talking Learning and Teaching returns with a brand-new season, and host Kevin Merry kicks things off with big updates and even bigger opportunities. In this episode, Kevin shares what’s been brewing during the break — including the launch of his new book Better Assessment in Higher Education, a series of new live CPD courses, and the brand-new UDL Night School for busy educators. You’ll also hear about some great limited-time offers, including:✅ Free toolkits with course registration✅ Free paperback books for early sign-ups✅ A free online book launch event coming soon Plus, Kevin puts out an open call for new podcast guests — so if you’ve got an idea or story worth sharing, he wants to hear from you. If you want to be a guest on the show contact me at drkevinl@icloud.com. Book onto a live course: Workshops/Courses | Dr Kevin L. MerryBook onto a UDL Night School Session: UDL Night School | Dr Kevin L. MerryGet a Toolkit as a standalone resource: Training Materials | Dr Kevin L. MerryBook onto the book launch: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1461782624179?aff=oddtdtcreator

    9 min

  8. 14 FÉVR.

    Accolades, New Books and More!

    Exciting News Update! 🎉 In this jam-packed episode, we’ve got some big announcements you won’t want to miss! First up, we’re celebrating a new milestone for the podcast with some incredible accolades that reflect the amazing support from all of you. Thank you for being part of this journey! But that’s not all! I’m thrilled to announce the release of my brand new book, and in this episode, I’ll be sharing all the exciting details about the upcoming online book launch event! This is an exclusive opportunity to join me live, get a sneak peek at the book’s content, and even grab some special bonuses! As if that wasn't enough, I’ve got a special offer on some of my teacher training resources that will help you level up your skills and bring even more value to your students. You won’t want to miss out on this limited-time deal. Finally, I’m beyond excited to give you a sneak peek at the brand new Better Assessment in Higher Education course launching this spring! This online course will take your assessment strategies to the next level—whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or educator looking to make an impact. Stay tuned, because there’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share it all with you! For teacher training resources: https://drkevinl.wixsite.com/drkevinlmerry/about-5-1 Contact me at drkevinl@icloud.com Follow me @kevinudlmerry

    6 min
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À propos

Welcome to Talking Learning and Teaching, a new Podcast all about learning and teaching in Higher Education. During each episode, we will be speaking to a teacher about a different topic related to learning and teaching in UK Higher Education. Whether it's practical ideas that can be used to support student learning, sharing of perspectives on key topics, or insights into future developments, there is something here for everyone with a passion for learning and teaching.

Informations

  • Création
    Kevin L. Merry
  • Années d’activité
    2021 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    79
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Kevin L. Merry
  • Site web de l’émission
    Talking Learning and Teaching

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