Overview

What's On	Welcome The Reading Group is organised and hosted by the Educational Development Team at the University of Birmingham’s Higher Education Futures Institute (HEFi). 📅 Browse Upcoming Reading Group Webinars ⌨️ Self Enroll Here Current local time in Birmingham, United Kingdom
About	It meets regularly to discuss texts relating to a wide range of topics on academic practice. It is a space away from our routine where we can explore these topics and argue, agree or disagree, but ultimately think about our work in a scholarly and evidence-based way. The Reading Group is intended to engage and support those involved in professional development, such as the PGCHE, IAP and Beacon Professional Recognition programmes offered by our team. It is also open to anyone interested in a deeper exploration of various dimensions of HE practice. It is a safe space away from the routine of emails and day-to-day work where we read, think and reflect on key issues in higher education, and consider their relevance to our work. Current Convener: Danielle Hinton
Topics	We have a range of topics falling into different categories, from key texts on HE teaching and learning practice to texts on philosophy of education and everything in between.
What Happens	Participants have to read the recommended texts in advance. At the discussion there is no hierarchy, and it is an open-format discussion where we encourage all voices to be heard. The Group operates on a democratic basis which is inclusive of all regardless of status. It is extremely interesting to hear views coming from diverse disciplinary and cultural angles. The challenge is always to make a connection between the text under discussion and our practice in an immediate and practical way. The Group takes a critical approach to our practice. However, the Group is very friendly, welcoming and informal. We have tea and coffee, and you can also bring your lunch if you like.
Who Attends	Typically there will be a mix of people from HEFi, colleagues from different Schools, colleagues from Professional Services, and some students. There are no ‘experts’ in the room, and all views are valued and discussed equally.
Recommend A Reading	Of course! Email d.m.hinton@bham.ac.uk with a link to your suggested article and why you think it's relevant.
History	The Reading Group was started by Elizabeth Staddon, continued by Dr Marios Hadjianastasis and currently led by Danielle Hinton. Elizabeth Staddon - Academic Practice Advisor (2011-2014) Dr Marios Hadjianastasis - Academic Practice Advisor (2011 to present) Browse Previous Programmes: Reading group schedule 1314.docx Reading Group 14-15 Schedule and Readings.pdf Reading Group 15-16 Schedule and Readings.pdf ReadingGroupSchedule2016-17.pdf The Birmingham Beacon Reading Group 17-18.pdf