Can there ever be a neat history of colonialism?People today seem to want their history to be linear and totalising, but it is only by addressing the messiness of the past that we can understand the presentFarish A Noor University of Malaya
Is your teaching and learning ‘not supported’?Are you Google or Microsoft? WhatsApp or Signal? The incompatibility driven by Big Tech obstructs research and teaching, so Europe’s mooted Digital Markets Act may be good newsAndy FarnellVisiting Professor
Academics must resist the creeping degradation of academic freedomUnless an academic is exceptionally bloody-minded, they will eventually take the path of least resistance, which is subtle erosion in action, says Arif AhmedArif AhmedUniversity of Cambridge
Educational gag orders could destroy the structure of higher educationUniversities and programmes could lose their accreditation and students could lose their financial aid if governors continue signing these legislative restrictionsJeremy C. YoungPEN America
Everything you need to know about cyberattacks (but were afraid to ask)From communication to recovery times, Patrick Bailey provides an insider’s guide to dealing with the havoc wrought by cyberattacks, based on first-hand experiencePatrick BaileyLondon South Bank University
The cruel optimism of research careers: how to support contract workersThe conversation needs to switch from academic careers being the responsibility of individual researchers to what employers can do to support those in precarious rolesJess Harris, Simon Bailey, Mhorag Goff, Nerida SpinaUniversity of Newcastle, Australia, University of Kent, University of Manchester, Queensland University of Technology
Universities must follow business and place ‘purpose’ front and centreMore and more businesses are shifting from the short-term myopia of financial self-interest to enduring, aspirational reasons to exist. Universities need to do the sameVictoria Hurth, Iain StewartUniversity of Cambridge, University of Plymouth
Naming students is even more crucial in online classesNaming learners fosters a community in which the teacher is clearly all in and focused on individual members in the unique, shared space of the online classroomStone MeredithColorado State University Global
In-person teaching now needs to be justifiedIf we take the same critical lens to in-person learning as we once did to online, rationalising our need for the former, how much better could we make our teaching?Stephen DannAustralian National University
Lifelong learning needs a reboot – here’s how to do itInstead of untangling a miscellany of education products, lifelong learners should find the structure and purpose of their degree continues into their professional lifeMatt RileyBlueprint Prep
Students are different, so why are you still teaching them all the same way?We know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t really work. Adriana Plata-Marroquin and Leticia Castaño offer tips on implementing differentiated instructionAdriana Plata-Marroquin , Leticia Castaño Sánchez Monterrey Institute of Technology
Why you should write feedback to your students before they’ve submittedStarting at the end seems counterintuitive, but anticipating student strengths and weaknesses and automating your responses comes into its own for large cohortsAndy GraysonNottingham Trent University
It’s time for teachers to assert their professional opinions on learning deliveryIsn’t it odd that teachers are often just passive users of whatever tech product is selected for them rather than designers of and collaborators in edtech adoption?Benjamin Tak Yuen ChanHong Kong Metropolitan University
Don’t forget that the ‘academic’ and the ‘vocational’ are deeply intertwinedIt’s not enough to focus solely on academic mission, but neither is it enough to think of universities as little more than training schools, says Sir Chris HusbandsChris HusbandsSheffield Hallam University
Do our students need to be book smart or street smart? They need to be bothEmployers want talent to jump right in and fulfil new tasks without a lot of coaching. Project-based learning will help prepare students for this new way of thinking and workingLee Ann Walker Colorado State University Global
The sector must come together when talk turns to promoting economic successWhat could be more important than preparing our students for jobs in the local economy and supporting graduates to become the entrepreneurs of the future? asks Sir David BellDavid BellUniversity of Sunderland
Does seeing others’ success on LinkedIn make you unhappy? LinkedIn can help you find a job and promote yourself, but it may also leave you questioning your own career trajectory – here’s how to combat the social media bluesLaura Lavertu, Sebastian OliverUniversity of Edinburgh
Why I choose not to teach with social mediaIf social media is eventually revealed as a grave threat to public health, the academy’s unquestioning adoption of it could make scholars complicitZachary Michael JackNorth Central College
LinkedIn is quickly becoming academia’s key tool for career progressionFor students and academics alike, it’s becoming hard to ignore LinkedIn’s combination of networking and self-promotional opportunitiesGillian McCurdyArden University
The 10 commandments of academic TwitterLucas Lixinski offers tips on how to engage positively with the social media platform, from ‘honour thy hashtags’ to ‘thou shalt live-tweet at events’Lucas LixinskiUNSW Sydney
How to use social media analytics to effectively expand your network Digging deeper into social media, through stats and data, is the key to understanding audience and carving out your niche, says Michael SkibaMichael SkibaColorado State University Global
Want your research to have an impact on policy? Know your audiencePoliticians are novices by design, so tailoring your communications with them gives you the best chance of cutting through, says David R. GarciaDavid R. GarciaArizona State University
What can universities do to protect Russian and Ukrainian academics fighting for truth?Academics’ struggle is a stirring reminder that the freedom of scholars and students to speak, teach and publish is neither inviolable nor dispensable, says Ron DanielsRon DanielsJohns Hopkins University
Failing fast: what universities need to consider when adopting edtechAn edtech company might offer an outstanding technology that fits with the ethos and strategic direction of an institution, but that is just the start, says John MilesJohn MilesInkpath
Fake news and disinformation abounds, but what can universities do?Few universities offer courses on countering propaganda, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine brings this weakness of provision into sharp relief, says Paul BainesPaul BainesUniversity of Leicester
Students aren’t giving up social media, so teach them how to question itWhatever our own opinions on social media, we must educate our students about locating bias and reading their preferred platforms critically, says Stone MeredithStone MeredithColorado State University Global
Four key strategies for higher education leaders to advance democracyUniversity leaders must use their positions to develop citizens and communities that combat tyranny and facilitate democracy – hard work that is done on and off campusJon McNaughtan, Alexander W. WisemanTexas Tech University
Social media can help new students make friends – but we must regulate itThere’s much to like about employing social media to help nervous students make connections before being dumped on campus, but universities must not overlook their duty of careAndy PhippenBournemouth University
Universities must take a more holistic approach to social mobilityFinancial support is only part of the equation – human and social capital are also crucial for helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds, says Andrew BurkeAndrew BurkeTrinity College Dublin
Universities must promote pluralism to ward off threats to democracyOnce the moral basis of anyone who disagrees with us is rejected, then democracy inevitably implodes, says Matthew Flinders Matthew FlindersUniversity of Sheffield
Universities aren’t walking the walk on sustainability – not even closeWhile HEIs continue to take tens of millions of pounds from oil companies, their integrity and commitment to the SDGs looks shaky at best, says James DerounianJames DerounianVisiting Professor
Health workers need tech training – for themselves and their patientsThere are huge risks involved if current and future healthcare professionals have to take up new forms of practice such as video consultations without sufficient trainingStefan Rennick-Egglestone University of Nottingham
How to stop unconsciously discriminating against international studentsUsing enquiry-based learning gives overseas students agency and helps them decide for themselves how they want to be included in the learning process, says Dylan WilliamsDylan WilliamsSeoul National University
Want students to exercise more? Make it part of their courseThe body hears everything the mind says, so it is said. That is certainly true when teachers offer extra academic credits in return for physical activity, says Roberto Villaseñor-RoldánRoberto Villaseñor-Roldán Monterrey Institute of Technology
Thinking about quitting your PhD? Maybe that’s the right decisionSometimes not completing a PhD is the rational choice, and having open conversations around it helps stop people feeling isolated and uncertain, says Katherine FirthKatherine Firth La Trobe University
We’ve forgotten how to communicate science to the public at a crucial timeAs we try to tackle climate change, it feels like the pandemic has pushed us back decades to the bad old mode of scientists lecturing the public, says John WomersleyJohn WomersleyUniversity of Oxford
Fostering student collaboration rather than competition using peer reviewWhen students are involved in peer review, they can more easily see the “problems” with classmates’ writing – and this creates opportunities in their own work, tooJames MeredithColorado State University Global
We must end the ‘us and them’ standoff between libraries and publishersUniversity libraries and publishers remain at a damaging impasse over digital textbooks – the solution requires communication, collaboration and openness to big ideasLibby HomerAnglia Ruskin University
If we truly want a level playing field, we must focus on social capitalFor minoritised students to really benefit from HE, they need support to understand the world of work, build connections and activate networksAndy Chan, Kristina FrancisWake Forest University, JFFLabs
Immediacy cues are a great starting point for fostering inclusive classesBoth verbal and non-verbal cues, such as pronouncing names correctly, smiling and making eye contact signal to students that they are welcome, respected and valuedFlower DarbyNorthern Arizona University
Sessional academics: how to balance the demands of teaching and researchTeaching and research are the pillars of academia, yet these two roles often end up in opposition to one another, says Tara EastTara EastUniversity of Southern Queensland
Who wants to be a dean?Paul Baines talks through the pros and cons of being a dean, plus the skills you’ll need to display during the recruitment process to get therePaul BainesUniversity of Leicester
What Wordle teaches us about the power of successOffering more mastery experiences will greatly reduce the mental and emotional fatigue that permeates so many post-Covid university classroomsThomas R. GuskeyUniversity of Kentucky
Are STEM admissions processes hindering our diversity efforts?The requirement for potential STEM students to have studied traditionally related subjects such as maths and physics seems outdated and unnecessary, says Judy RaperJudy RaperTEDI-London
Covid-19 showed that the academic library requires digital evolution As we face our new reality, library services need a new vision, becoming ubiquitous and available no matter the challenges of time and spaceJosé Vladimir Burgos Aguilar Monterrey Institute of Technology
Slowing down earlier in the pandemic went well – so why speed back up?The online tools adopted in the past two years do have positives, but they’ve also created a new kind of pressure – the pressure to be everywhere at onceShari Boodts, Frederik van DamRadboud University
Meritocracy in the academy isn’t fit for purpose – but we can fix itInstitutions need to think about who they’re picking and foster both literacy and competence around minority issues as the first steps to a true meritocracyrashné limki University of Edinburgh
‘Making it’ in the US: education and employment for Afghan refugeesWith war and displacement atop most news agendas right now, higher education has a huge part to play in the US’ national responseEmal Dusst, Colleen Thouez Cintana Education, The New School
Urgent steps to prevent the pandemic stalling women’s academic careersThe pandemic put a disproportionate strain on female academics, research suggests, so now universities need to take robust action to ensure these women do not lose out in tenure and promotion decisions, reducing future diversityAdrian Daub, Alison Dahl CrossleyStanford University
How to support women of all ages in post-secondary science educationMature female students face barriers to success in STEM subjects, but steps can be taken to address this. Liette Vasseur explains what needs to be doneLiette VasseurBrock University
Enrolment throws up issues to be balanced, not problems to be solvedEnrolment managers must realise an increasingly complex landscape doesn’t need a quick fix to a short-term challenge but rather a reasonable strategy for managing long-term tensionsSteve TaylorLiaison International
International partnerships drive SDG progress – how do we support them? Diverse partnerships encompassing various sectors and organisations help mobilise resources and encourage collaboration that can address societal challenges more efficientlyJoanna Newman, Maddalaine Ansell The Association of Commonwealth Universities, British Council
Fool’s gold: career advice for young, Black academics Freshly minted professor Jason Arday provides tips for aspiring Black and ethnic minority academics on how to safeguard themselves on the hazardous journey to the topJason ArdayUniversity of Glasgow
How do we get more women into coding? Fix how it’s taught and usedIt’s time women said to the tech industry: ‘It’s not me, it’s you.’ And universities can help by not confusing the art of computer programming with rather dull ‘careers in coding’Andy FarnellVisiting Professor
Is the ‘sunk cost fallacy’ sinking your career?Making the decision to move away from research can be daunting, but a big dose of rational thinking can help you make the right choice, says Emma WilliamsEmma WilliamsEJW Solutions
The case for using universal design for learning at your institutionUniversal design for learning can be the answer when searching for true equity in our universities. Jacqui Whittle and Caroline Pike outline the how and whyJacqui Whittle, Caroline PikeArden University
Gatekeepers or greeters? We must demystify university for first-gen studentsStone Meredith gives advice on using positive introductory phrases and how this can help first-generation students navigate universityStone MeredithColorado State University Global
How to start an academic YouTube channel: tips from a psychology YouTuberYouTube is a wide-open opportunity for university teachers and researchers to share their knowledge with a broader audience, says Dennis Relojo-HowellDennis Relojo-HowellUniversity of Edinburgh
Boosting female representation in STEM is crucial to global innovationAddressing the gender disparity in STEM isn’t just a question of striving for a fairer society, it’s also fundamental to solving the complex challenges that affect us allJennifer Tour ChayesUniversity of California, Berkeley
We must confront the assumptions that have held back HE for centuriesA transformed system of HE would cast off these outdated assumptions about learning and base educational practices on the best research, says Nobel winner Carl WiemanCarl Wieman Stanford University
We can help students with intellectual disabilities shatter glass ceilingsWith the right approach and a strong institutional commitment, students with intellectual disabilities can thrive at university and in the workplaceMeg Grigal, Ann WerbachUniversity of Massachusetts Boston, InsideTrack
Let’s not allow tradition to stifle innovation in higher educationThe UK education secretary has said there are ‘no excuses’ for online learning at universities – but there are many reasons to persevere, says Lil Bremermann-RichardLil Bremermann-Richard Oxford International Education Group
Professors who ‘practise what they preach’ help humanise research managementThere is a need in academia for professors to match teaching and research with professional practice – and be fairly compensated for itJames MeredithColorado State University Global
The metaverse will change everything – including academic researchWe must push XR research boundaries if we’re to understand and shape our future reality – here’s how, says Neil McDonnellNeil McDonnell University of Glasgow
Conversations around stress must move beyond ‘I’m fine, how are you?’Sara Metz offers practical advice on adopting the ‘stress continuum’ – a shared language and system to help staff and students reflect upon and discuss their well-being Sara MetzColorado State University Global
We need to move beyond the synchronous versus asynchronous debateAcademics are agonising over the wrong elements of online education. They should be thinking about active versus passive learning, says Simon ChestermanSimon ChestermanNational University of Singapore
Focused freewriting is the cure for students’ writer’s blockFreewriting for five minutes warms up the brain and begins to fill students’ blank screens with material that gets their writing going. Anne Carlisle talks through the processAnne CarlisleColorado State University Global
New rules on lecture transcripts give academics an impossible choiceHigher education leaders must engage on new transcription requirements post-pandemic to ensure academics don’t have to choose between inclusion or increased workloadEmily Nordmann, Wilhelmiina Toivo , Rachel O’Neill University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh
I ran the BBC World Service – it showed me how universities can be truly globalForget our universities’ Brit-centric approach – developing an authentically global experience needs to be at the core of higher education’s digital futurePeter HorrocksLearna
External engagement in academia: lessons from the business worldMany academics see external engagement as a chore. Others are just unable to appreciate industry perspectives. Both are stifling the contribution of universitiesKumud Wijayaratna , Ed CottamNorthumbria University
Why interdisciplinarity is just like a fantasy role-playing gameWho’s the barbarian? Which one’s the wizard? Lorena Quilantán García offers practical advice on embarking upon your very own interdisciplinary hero questLorena Quilantán García Monterrey Institute of Technology
Are you a researcher who’s ready to move away from the bench? Here’s howDeciphering job titles, utilising your network and coming to problems with ‘fresh eyes’ are all crucial for those moving from the lab to an admin roleLia Paola ZambettiUniversity of Sydney
Graduate programmes have a lot to teach HE about enrolmentSteady increases in graduate enrolments have been one of the precious few bright spots during perhaps the most volatile period for higher education in recent memoryToby McChesney Santa Clara University
We must rethink PhDs to smash barriers and ensure bioscience successRedesigning PhD training will help develop commercially savvy researchers, address skills gaps in UK bioscience and bolster innovation, say Simon Cook and Derek JonesSimon Cook, Derek JonesBabraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus
Has government investment in higher education equity been worth it?Evaluating the success of sector-wide initiatives is fraught, but there are some universal truths that should be considered, say Steven Howard and colleaguesSteven Howard, Sarah O'Shea, Kylie Lipscombe, Kellie Buckley-WalkerUniversity of Wollongong
Academic snobs can’t afford to ignore LinkedIn any longerConsidering a career move? When asking for a favour, such as info or an introduction, it helps to build a chain of trust. Which is where LinkedIn comes in, says Emma WilliamsEmma WilliamsEJW Solutions
I took an alternative route to academic success – and I’m happier than everI ignored senior management and marketing departments and experimented with making my work more accessible and interesting – it paid off, says Jonathan WilsonJonathan WilsonRegent's University London
Why interactive and game-based instruction beats lecturing every time Going through the motions is easy for experienced lecturers, but we should all go the extra mile to make our classes interactive, challenging and fun, says Nancy BouryNancy BouryIowa State University
IPEDS and the trouble with student metrics in the USThe IPEDS education data surveys hold great weight in the HE system, but they are not inclusive enough and thus no longer fit for purpose, says Elizabeth HarrisElizabeth HarrisColorado State University Global
Let’s harness students’ desire for interaction to define the future of learningWe know that students want to learn together. That information should underpin how we allocate resources to best serve their needs, say Derfel Owen and Ant BagshawDerfel Owen, Ant BagshawUniversity College London, Online Education Services
Universities must help their communities preserve heritage languagesLanguage loss is a real danger among even second-generation migrants – here’s how to help, say Sender Dovchin and Rhonda OliverSender Dovchin, Rhonda OliverCurtin University
Complaining that the leadership talent pool is running dry? Here’s how to fill itAbandoning traditional hierarchies and allowing mid- and early-career staff to experience leadership creates a thriving, diverse talent pool, say Jo Cresswell and Peter HoggJo Cresswell, Peter HoggDr Joanne Cresswell Coaching, University of Salford
Research time disappearing before your eyes? Try student collaborationsWorking alongside students can help academics to both protect their research time and boost student employability, say Dean Fido and Louise WallaceDean Fido, Louise WallaceUniversity of Derby
My Christmas wish? Wider recognition that blended is different from onlineFollowing two years of disruption and jumping between modes of delivery, many students and staff seem to be – incorrectly – conflating blended with online, says Harriet Dunbar-MorrisHarriet Dunbar-MorrisThe University of Portsmouth
Collecting data on our students is the only way forwardUbiquitous data collection will give rise to large datasets, which can help improve outcomes for all students – especially those most in need, says Daphne KollerDaphne KollerStanford University
Cybersecurity in the HE sector – getting the basics rightManaging security updates, vulnerability reviews, password policies and multi-factor authentication are staple university needs, says Clive MaddersClive MaddersCyber Tec Security
Why do we expect students to work well in groups if we don’t teach them how?If we’re going to assign team projects, and if we really believe working well in a group is important, we must teach effective group processes, says Todd ZakrajsekTodd ZakrajsekUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Is your curriculum design limiting students’ learning potential?All too often, insufficient emphasis is placed on development of the self-regulatory skill sets that students need most in order to do well, says Carol EvansCarol EvansCardiff University, University of Southampton
Ten useful tips for teaching a hybrid course for the first timeLaura Patricia Zepeda Orantes shares recommendations for delivering hybrid courses, especially for teachers who are new to this way of workingLaura Patricia Zepeda Orantes Monterrey Institute of Technology
If universities push staff towards social media, they must protect them, tooAt the very least, there should be training on managing online discourse, blocking tools and recognising when ‘robust debate’ becomes abuse or libel, says Andy PhippenAndy PhippenBournemouth University
It’s time to tackle perfectionism head-on in the classroomPerfectionism has long been the norm in academia. To combat it, we must offer help before it has to be asked for, say Laura March and Maggie MeloLaura March, Maggie MeloUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Researchers are too critical – we need to give ourselves (and others) a breakIt doesn’t have to be like this. Critical thinking means looking for the evidence – that is evidence both for and against, says Hugh KearnsHugh KearnsFlinders University
How to ensure your university’s branding isn’t as bland as blancmangeUniversities’ promo materials and slogans play it safe to the point of indolence, says Jonathan Wilson. He explains how to take a leaf from the global brand playbookJonathan WilsonRegent's University London