Events and webinars

The Learning and Teaching Academy offers a number of professional development events relating to pedagogic practice and research. These are open to colleagues from across the university, and feature a range of internal and external speakers and facilitators.

Please register at least one week before the session date by emailing lta@uhi.ac.uk. We understand that plans can change, so if you find you are unable to attend the session please send apologies to lta@uhi.ac.uk as soon as possible and at least two working days before the session date.

All the events are mapped to the UHI Learning and Teaching Enhancement Strategy Values and where appropriate the Professional Standards Framework 2023.  Colleagues might also find this mapping of the PSF 2023 and the Professional Standard's for Scotland's Colleges helpful in planning professional development.

Forthcoming events

LTA Connect Series: Exploring and celebrating the student learning experience through the Student Learning Experience Model (SLE)

In academic year 2025-2026 the LTA will launch a new theme for the LTA Connect online lunchtime series and we are inviting colleagues at UHI to share their practice aligned to the ‘Sparqs: Student Learning Experience Model’ (SLE). The SLE model comprises 9 key elements (called building blocks) that make up the learning experience. Underpinning the SLE model are 3 lenses which can be applied across all 9 building blocks.

The LTA connect series 25-26 will focus on the 9 building blocks and use the 3 lenses to explore and share practice at UHI and beyond.

Presenting an LTA Connect is a great way to build confidence in presenting, gain new knowledge through reflective dialogue and provide evidence for Advance HE Fellowship and GTCS registration.

Lenses:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Sustainable Development

SLE Building Blocks	SLE Description	UHI Learning and Teaching Enhancement Strategy Values
Curriculum	Course content; course design and development; optional and compulsory modules; learning outcomes; placements; study abroad opportunities; inclusive curriculum; sustainability in the curriculum.	Supporting flexible and student-centred learning Integrated and sustainable learning and teaching Celebrating diversity through learning and teaching
Resources, Environment and Technologies	Library; IT; Virtual Learning Environment (VLE); learning spaces; course resources; digital technologies such as equipment and software; external learning environments; study spaces.	Enriching learning through digital practices Connecting learning across communities Harnessing open education approaches
Learning and Teaching Delivery	Teaching methods; mode of study; independent and group work; contact time; class sizes; staff development; inclusive learning and teaching practices; peer learning.	Supporting flexible and student-centred learning Integrated and sustainable learning and teaching
Progression and Achievement	Induction; support between levels of study; individual academic progress; personal and professional development; employability; transitions to further study; articulation; recognition of achievement.	Supporting the learner as an individual Learning for personal growth and employment
Assessment and Feedback	Assessment methods; frequency of assessments; marking criteria; consistency of marking; formative assessment and feedback; authentic assessment; quality and timeliness of feedback; assessment and feedback support.	Supporting the learner as an individual Integrated and sustainable learning and teaching
Community and belonging	Learning community; social opportunities; peer support; sense of belonging; community spaces; inclusive communities; student-led communities; local community engagement.	Supporting the learner as an individual Learning for personal growth and employment Connecting learning across communities
Student Partnership	Student representation system; student partnership in decision making; students’ association; course evaluations; student surveys; student voice policies; student engagement in quality processes; hearing diverse student voices; student-led projects and initiatives.	Engaging students in reflection and research Celebrating diversity through learning and teaching
Support and Guidance	Academic support; personal support; disability services; mental health and wellbeing services; support for diverse student groups; financial support; support for students with additional needs for learning.	Supporting the learner as an individual
Organisation and Management	Admissions processes; communication; timetabling; student administration; governance; transport; accommodation; complaints and concerns; equality, diversity and inclusion processes and policies; equality monitoring.	Celebrating diversity through learning and teaching

Colleagues are encouraged to refer to the model for presentation ideas. Presentations should be 30 minutes with 30 minutes for questions and discussion.

The Academic Practice Development team will use the presentations to develop a set of Good Practice Case Studies to share at and beyond UHI.

If you would like to present an LTA Connect session, please submit a proposal form.