“The Mirror University” essays explore modern higher education’s complexities, particularly its normalisation of crisis, which impedes proactive change. Referencing historical perspectives, the essays critique the commodification of education and advocate for a transformative, values-driven approach to navigate crises, urging institutions to reclaim their foundational purpose.
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Talking about (the next) generations: Generational change and the future of higher education
The landscape of higher education is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the unique socio-economic characteristics, learning expectations, and personal societal values of emerging generations (Deloitte, 2024; Giroux & Frey, 2024). I have recently published an ambitious and challenging scoping report entitled ‘A Horizon-Scanning Report on the Changing Demographic and Pedagogical Profiles of Current andContinue reading “Talking about (the next) generations: Generational change and the future of higher education”
Harnessing Design Knowledge for Learning
As we navigate an era of rapid change, can design principles guide us toward more effective and inclusive learning experiences? On 9 August 2024, DIBERG hosted an all-day event on “Designing for learning with humans, things and AI” at the University of Sydney Business School. The event was organised in collaboration with the Sydney SchoolContinue reading “Harnessing Design Knowledge for Learning”
Humanising leadership education at scale – developing leaders for an uncertain future
The LPC program at the University of Sydney Business School aims to rehumanise leadership education through storytelling and connected learning, preparing emergent leaders for complex crises. It fosters a community of shared experiences, focusing on resonant learning, transformative practices, and the integration of personal narratives to enhance leadership capabilities for uncertain futures.
Nomadic analysis of belonging
A strong sense of student belonging is often emphasised as essential to higher education. This emphasis is often supported by the positive relationship between belonging and student perceptions of quality (Bridgeman, 2019; MIT Teaching + Learning Lab, 2023). Building on the previous blog Belonging & Learning (Menner, 2023), we aim to discuss alternative concepts toContinue reading “Nomadic analysis of belonging”
Excel – a new way to join the dots
Professional judgement is hard! How do students learn to make complex professional judgements? The complex professional judgements required of accountants and other business professionals contain many sub-decision points. Critical thinking is a central component of accounting and business higher education curriculum (Coupe et al., 2023; Bryant, 2023). In the 3rd-year unit, ACCT3011 Reporting on BusinessContinue reading “Excel – a new way to join the dots “
Students Fuel Co-design Research
All my friends are surprised that I’m a student researcher at the Business School—they thought I was working on my PhD. My PhD focuses on student cooperation and use of Chinese social media during the pandemic. It explores how students supported each other, their response to the government’s call to action, their digital interaction andContinue reading “Students Fuel Co-design Research”
Co-designing a Students as Partners Charter
The University of Sydney wants to activate their commitment to involve students as citizens in their own lifelong learning journey by developing a Students as Partners Charter. On Melbourne Cup day, 2023, more than seventy students and staff gathered in the Susan Wakil building to begin the co-design work. We represented every Faculty and allContinue reading “Co-designing a Students as Partners Charter”
Reimagining Peer Review
As a reviewer, you’re not just giving back; you’re expanding your own knowledge and gaining insights into what makes strong research. It can be like networking, making connections with colleagues globally. Academic research publications and the progression of an academic career greatly depend on experts in the field who review and assess your work beforeContinue reading “Reimagining Peer Review”
Higher Education – and Business Education – at the centre of global challenges
Academic conferences are important and unique opportunities for scholars to stress-test works in a collegial, creative, and critical spaces. I reflect on two works I have recently presented at the 35th Annual Consortium of Higher Education Research (CHER) Conference and the British Academy of Management (BAM) Conference. Action research in Higher Education The first paperContinue reading “Higher Education – and Business Education – at the centre of global challenges “