The transition from elite to mass higher education systems is a significant global development that forms the broader context for educational research that seeks to understand the experiences of Higher Education students, academics, teaching teams, change agents, leaders, departments, subject disciplines, professional fields, and institutions. There is a need for perspectives and analyses that not only critique but also challenge current policy frameworks and evolving practices within and across Higher Education. Within the universalising tendencies of the neoliberal regime, contradictions exist within – and between – the increasing dominance of managerialist principles, the standardisation of learning and practice (under the banner of ‘quality assurance’), consumer-based practices and expectations. The aim of the Higher Education special interest group is to contribute towards and enhance critical debates and perspectives on higher education policy, pedagogy and practice. This is a broad remit that embraces interdisciplinary research with critical research methodologies, theories and philosophies. 

Research interests 

• Teaching and learning approaches and issues
• AI in higher education
• Assessment and Feedback in higher education
• Higher Education in Further Education (HE in FE)
• Pedagogies for transformation / transformative pedagogies
• Being an academic
• Being a student
• Policy trajectories
• Academic development and capacity building strategies
• Doctoral education and supervision

SIG aims

1. Engage a large range of HE colleagues in discussions to drive excellence.
2. Explore and give voice to the different areas of interest in HE.
3. Promote the work of members and support their activity.
4. Supporting members for the BERA conference and through activities and events during the year.
5. Exploring collaborations between the HE SIG, other BERA SIGs and external networks.

Twitter: @BERAHighEd

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