INS Research Student Discusses Innovative Approach to Assessment at Conference

University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies PhD researcher Sarah Squire participated in a panel at the University of Edinburgh Learning and Teaching Conference on 17 June.

The annual University of Edinburgh Learning and Teaching Conference brought together staff and students to celebrate and share effective practices and innovations in learning and teaching. The 2025 conference centred on the theme of "Transformative Assessment and Feedback," emphasising that assessment is a process in which students actively engage to deepen their understanding, drive improvements, and continuously enhance their learning.

The panel discussion, titled “We Were All Quite Brave: A Peer-Led Model of Learning, Teaching, and Assessment,” focused on a collaboration initiated by Dr Heidi Smith from the outdoor education programme and Caroline Gordon in the PGDE programme at the University of Edinburgh.

Students in the two programmes worked together to create and lead teaching sessions focused on outdoor literacy. They then gathered interview and survey data to further investigate their experiences. Both the peer teaching and learning opportunities, as well as the collaboration between the programs, provided valuable professional development for the participants. A paper presenting the research is underway.

Sarah is currently working on her PHD with the UHI Institute for Northern Studies. Her research is entitled “(Re)Generative Relationships: A case Study of Collaborative Land Work, Culture Making and Education for Sustainable Communities in Scotland”