It’s good to talk: Exploring the influence of facilitated teaching conversations at an Irish university

• Clare Gormley ^[1]
  1. [1] Dublin City University

     Dublin City University

     Irlanda

     
• Localización: Innovations in education and teaching international, ISSN 1470-3297, Vol. 59, Nº 5, 2022, págs. 522-532
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • The influence of non-formal professional learning in higher education remains a relatively under-researched area. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by exploring the impact of an implementation of non-formal professional learning operating at an Irish university since April 2017. The initiative – called The Sipping Point – aims to promote and facilitate conversations about teaching among staff through a consistent format of monthly gatherings, short talks, and open discussion. This paper reports findings from an open-ended survey exploring the impact on participants’ practice and views about education. Following a process of thematic analysis, key themes included the value of connecting with peers, the perception of the space as a source of new ideas, and a sense of encouragement to try new things in teaching practice. The study includes analysis from a lead facilitator who reports strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats potentially of interest to those considering similar activities.