Search results
-
BGU Lecturer Takes Part in Critical Climate Change Research
Dr Sarah Hemstock, Programme Leader for Geography at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has contributed to a new multi-disciplinary book on climate change: A Critical Approach to Climate Change Adaptation: Discourses, Policies and Practices. Drawing on examples from across the world the book explores how adaptation measures are interpreted, transformed, and implemented at grassroots level and how these measures are changing or interfering with power relations, legal pluralism and local (ecological) knowledge. Its mission is to challenge established perspectives of climate change adaptation by taking into account issues of cultural diversity, environmental justice and human rights, as well as feminist or intersectional approaches. Dr Hemstock’s chapter focuses on improving the prospect for climate change adaptation in the Pacific Islands Region (PIR) via formal education along with the increasing recognition by practitioners and policy makers working across the globe of the importance of bringing together disaster risk management (DRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA). For Dr Hemstock contributing to the book offered a great opportunity to bring together her academic work at BGU with her personal research interests: "With two of our Geography undergraduates involved in a research project looking at the inclusion of marginalised groups in decision making around climate change adaptation in the Pacific small island developing states, the publication of this book is very timely. "It is the result of research collaboration over around five years and I am very happy to have contributed to a project that explores a diverse range of themes relevant to successful climate change adaptation. "My work on development projects has led to my interest in the role of education to improve the resilience of Pacific island communities; this publication will put this approach to climate change adaptation into a wider multidisciplinary context." You can find more information on our Geography courses on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
From Visual to Verbal, the Many Ways to Understand Mathematics
By Elizabeth Kimber – Programme Leader for Mathematics at Bishop Grosseteste University The Conversation UK recently published a piece written by Vicky Neale (people.maths.ox.ac.uk/neale) (Whitehead Lecturer at Balliol College, University of Oxford) and myself about how there are many ways to think about mathematics. From visual to verbal – there’s more than one way to understand maths was written for a general audience and aimed to address the idea that being ‘mathematical’ is about thinking in one particular way. We used the example of ellipses because while they aren’t generally covered in school mathematics, they are all around us and are amenable to being looked at in various ways that may be familiar from school maths. Encouraging students to think in different ways about mathematics is a big part of how we teach at BGU and we are not alone in this. At A level, many students have been encouraged to work algebraically and geometrically to get a fuller sense of functions and graphs, perhaps supported by dynamic geometry software. However, many students have developed a preferred approach to their school mathematics and expect to continue working only in this way during their undergraduate studies. If they do this, then they’ll be missing out on powerful ways of thinking. We need to build up students’ confidence in thinking in different ways and extend it undergraduate mathematics. A big part of mathematics is about making sense of definitions and theorems. For example, what it means for a sequence of numbers to converge. These results can be expressed very formally using words and mathematical notation, and the pressures of assessment make it tempting to move quickly into helping students write in this formal style before the underlying ideas have taken shape. However, our workshop-style teaching sessions give students the opportunity to explore these underlying ideas. This might involve working visually or numerically, perhaps using technology, but the most crucial aspect is the opportunity for students to discuss their thinking with each other. I’m struck by how much students use gestures to describe their mathematical ideas to each other, often before they are ready to commit these ideas to paper. The gestures and discussion help to reveal students’ different ways of thinking and provokes others to ask questions and refine their ideas. This frequently flags up related issues that I couldn’t possibly cover in a lecture. We do also spend time writing up solutions to problems to help develop students’ mathematical writing style, but we don’t rush into this at the expense of grappling with the underlying ideas. “The way in which our lessons are styled as a workshop rather than a lecture has been extremely helpful in allowing me to gain an understanding of the course content. The informal style of the workshop allows me to feel much more comfortable when discussing a topic that I am not confident in.” 1st Year student “Since studying at BGU my confidence in and passion for mathematics has increased. The small group teaching creates the optimum environment for discussion – students no longer simply accept the maths but question what we are learning, to understand how and why the maths works. This has helped me to understand the maths in greater depth, compared to studying A-level.” 1st Year student Working on this piece with Vicky was an interesting exercise in itself, but it also prompted me to reflect on my teaching at BGU and the great advantage of our long workshop-style teaching sessions. You can find the full article on The Conversation. For more information on our Mathematics courses, visit our website or get in touch with our Enquiries Team who will be more than happy to help you. -
BGU Representatives to Deliver "Fearless" TED Talks
Dr Caroline Horton, Reader in Psychology and PhD Programme Leader at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), will be delivering a talk designed to help people become fearless as part of this year’s TEDx Brayford Pool Event. Dr Horton’s talk, titled “Sleep well, Dream will, Be fearless (almost)”, will discuss her research within DrEAMSLab along with highlighting the ways in which sleep processes our emotions. This will be Dr Horton’s second TEDx talk and she was delighted to be returning: “It’s great to be part of the TEDx family. I am a passionate campaigner for open science and knowledge exchange, and am particularly happy to contribute to this in Lincoln. TED offers the opportunity for big ideas to reach thousands of people quickly and easily, which makes academic ideas far more accessible than the average journal article or traditional output.” This year’s event, the second TEDx Brayford Pool event in Lincoln, will be held on Saturday 30 June with 17 presenters all examining the event theme of “Fearless”. In addition to Dr Horton speakers include BGU Education Studies & Applied Drama Student Joshua Cudmore who will be discussing how ‘The Power of Theatre’ can help combat fear. Also joining the lineup is award-winning campaigner, actor and presenter Adam Pearson, who has fronted the critically-acclaimed documentaries Horizon: My Amazing Twin, Adam Pearson: Freak Show and The Ugly Face of Disability Hate Crime. The full presentation titles for all the speakers have officially been launched and tickets are now available from the TedX event box office. All the presentations across the event promise to widen your horizons and change your life so make sure you don’t miss out. You can find more information on the range of courses and opportunities on offer at BGU on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BGU Exhibition on #Vote100 Launched at Lincoln Central Library
Last night the ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’ exhibition opened at Lincoln Central Library. Designed to bring people together to learn about Lincolnshire’s contribution to the cause of Women’s Suffrage; the exhibition is packed with a collection of original newspaper articles, Women’s Liberation postcards and posters supported by rich and deep research from across the county. Curated by History and English staff and students at BGU – Dr Andrew Jackson, Dr Claudia Capancioni, Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills – it examines the input of people from Lincolnshire, set in the context on the progress towards achieving the vote in 1918, and the equalising of the franchise in 1928. For Sian Hope-Johnson, MA in English student at BGU, being involved in creating the exhibit was a fantastic experience: “We’ve been able to put together a historical showpiece with a really unique viewpoint that highlights how even small local activities could have a national impact. The history of Women’s Suffrage is very close to my heart, without these women I wouldn’t have the rights I do today, so to be able to work directly on the curation of this exhibition has been incredible.” Louise Woolley, Lincoln Central Library Manager, was delighted to be able to host such an important educational display: “We were incredibly keen to put together an exhibition celebrating Lincoln’s contribution to Women’s Suffrage and the results of BGU’s work are fantastic. We only expected a small exhibition but the team at BGU have helped us to put on our biggest exhibition ever!” The ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’ exhibition is open and free to the public until July 5. Everyone is welcome to visit so make sure you get down to Lincoln Central Library for an eye-opening and enriching experience. The exhibition forms part of a series of events celebrating important dates in the history of women’s voting rights and the extension of the franchise by #Vote100BGU at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and in Lincoln through 2017-18. You can find more information about BGU’s other #Vote100 events, community activities and exciting range of courses on our website. -
BGU Student Wins Place on UK Literacy Association Panel
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Education Studies student Hayley Booth has won an NEU sponsored conference place at the United Kingdom Literacy Association International Conference in Cardiff and an opportunity to meet prize-winning children’s authors and illustrators. Hayley was nominated by Education Studies tutor, Helen Hendry, after taking part in the United Kingdom Literacy Association book awards shadowing scheme. The national scheme takes place each year and offers students around the UK the chance to vote for their favourite new children’s book in a range of age group categories. To be awarded the conference place, students were required to demonstrate an outstanding contribution to the shadowing process. Hayley, currently in her second year of Education Studies at BGU, used one of the shortlisted texts ‘The Night Gardener’ by the Fan brothers as a creative stimulus for teaching in a recent school placement. She also involved her Year 1/2 class in sharing all the shortlisted books. This then led to an in school book display as well as many repeated readings of ‘Oi Dog!’ by Kes and Claire Gray, which was picked out by the pupils as their favourite. Speaking on Hayley’s success Lynda Graham from the UKLA said: “Many congratulations to Hayley and to Bishop Grosseteste. We had a record number of strong entries this year. We loved your report of Hayley's passion, commitment and energy. For Hayley, taking part in the award and building the UKLA nominated books into her teaching has been a fantastic experience: “I really enjoyed reading the nominated books and being able to use them when I was on placement to see what the children thought of them. It gave me an insight into popular picture-book authors and what I can use in future lessons when I become a teacher” You can find more information on all our courses, including Education Studies, on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BGU attends SI-UK International Student Recruitment Fair
On Saturday 2nd June 2018, Clare Davey, International Administrator at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), travelled to London to attend the UK University Fair for EU and International Students run by SI-UK. The UK University Fair is the largest UK university fair designed only for international students applying to UK universities. Taking place in London at regular intervals throughout the year, SI-UK provide a unique platform for international and EU students to meet and gain information on living and studying in the UK from a range of universities, colleges and language schools all in one location. With over 90 UK universities at the event and a total of 1,400 students coming through the doors it was a busy day for all involved. Clare spoke to many students with a particular interest in the Early Childhood Studies, Psychology and Business Courses at BGU and will be following up the exciting student leads this week. You can find out more on the work of our International Team on our news page. -
SENI Students Experience the Power of Inclusive Leadership
Special Educational Needs & Inclusion (SENI) students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) had the opportunity to boost their leadership and management skills with a trip to Eon’s Blackburn Meadows Renewable Energy Plant in Sheffield. As part of their degree course the group of Level 6 students have been studying the benefits and practices of inclusive leadership with the visit to Blackburn Meadows offering an opportunity to see it in action at a multi-company. Following a presentation on organisational management by David Lowles, Blackburn Meadows’ Asset Manager, the students were given the chance to tour the plant’s educational centre and production areas. Along with the hands on experience of inclusive leadership the trip, to one of the only renewable energy plants in the country, offered the students the chance to gain knowledge in a number of new educational areas including renewable energy, environmental protection and off site learning. Dr Julia Lindley-Baker, Programme Leader for SENI at BGU, was delighted with the range of experiences enjoyed by the students: “On top of the fascinating presentations from the staff at Eon; our students were able to gain a unique insight into environmental sustainability and understanding of different leadership styles which allowed them to reflect on graduate opportunities in a diverse educational setting. “It was also fun exploring how waste wood is turned into electricity for both domestic and district heating systems. Now we know how Ikea flat packs and snooker tables keep the city warm!” You can find out more about the opportunities available on our SENI courses by visiting our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
LiNCHigher inspires local young people to enter higher education with week of events
This week LiNCHigher is participating in events to help around 800 local young people and their influencers understand higher education options as part of a nationwide week of action. In Lincolnshire, young people are less likely to go into higher education than in other areas of the country despite similar GCSE results. LiNCHigher works across Lincolnshire as part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), funded by the Office for Students (OfS), to change this. It brings together Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the University of Lincoln with 45 schools, colleges and other local organisations to understand how to best create tailored activities and events that give inspiration, increase aspiration and support young people in years 9-13 to plan their future education. This week’s events will give these young people an opportunity visit a university campus, participate in motivation workshops, learn new revision techniques and try online tools to help them make decisions about future courses and jobs. Naomi Prendergast, LiNCHigher Project Manager, said, “It’s really important for the local area and our young people that they are supported to achieve their full potential. There are some excellent further and higher education institutions in Lincolnshire where young people can gain the skills, experience and qualifications to succeed in the work place. Our Project Team work in schools and in the community throughout the year to raise aspirations and give young people the tools they need to progress onto higher education. We understand the importance of teachers, parents and carers in this journey and are committed to supporting them too.” The NCOP week of action (4 – 8 June) shines a spotlight on the national network of partners and will be accompanied by social media activity as well as events across the country. For further information, please contact Helen Lee on 01522 585623 or email helen.lee@bishopg.ac.uk Planned Activities Monday 4 June Goal Mapping – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9 (Positively Mad) University of Nottingham visit – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 10 Motivation workshop - Barnes Wallis Academy: year 10 (Luke Staton) Goal Mapping – The Priory Witham Academy: year 8 (Positively Mad) Motivation workshop - Giles Academy: year 10 (Luke Staton) Tuesday 5 June UCAS Workshop – Walton Girls High School: year 12, 13 (Nottingham Trent University) Career Investigator – Giles Academy: year 9 Progress and pathways evening - The Priory Witham Academy: year 12 Summer school meeting – Bishop Burton College Wednesday 6 June Improving attitudes – Haven High Academy: year 9-10 (First Story) Progression evening – Walton Girls High School: year 12 Exam preparation and motivation workshop – Sir Robert Pattinson Academy: year 12 Road Hog Bus – Tunnard Street, Boston Meeting with Justin Brown, Lincolnshire County Council Thursday 7 June Motivation Workshop - Skegness Grammar School Student Voice - Walton Girls High School: year 9-12 Medical Mentee Induction – Kestevan and Grantham Girls School Futures Club – Giles Academy Parents Evening – Peele Community College: year 10 UCAS evening – The Priory City of Lincoln Academy: year 12 Friday 8 June Inspirational Speaker morning - Kamal Hyman – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9 Heads of year meeting – University Academy Holbeach 2Engage Performance at Manchester Met University Student voice – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9-13 EMWPREP Steering Group and Meeting – Loughborough University -
SENI course offers students the chance to present their research at international education conference
Richard D' Amelio, Psychology and Special Educational Needs & Inclusion (SENI) student at BGU, recently had the opportunity to present his research alongside fellow SENI student Sara Gorman at the International Conference in Education. Titled ‘Emotional and Behavioural problems in primary students: The importance of early diagnosis and assessment’, the research was well received and, following their presentation, they were able to build research connections and craft interesting ideas on future projects with colleagues at universities from Japan, the UAE and Egypt. For Richard, this was an unforgettable experience and he explained how his time at BGU had prepared him for both it, and the next steps he plans to take after graduating: “Three years ago, as I sat contemplating what university life may be like, expectations and aspirations always returned to the same theme; ‘I want my degree to be the gateway to special educational needs and inclusion research in the international arena.’ I believed, and still do, that obstacles and concerns facing special education are a global issue, and equally, a global response is required to address these issues through the exploration of the diverse cultural responses to SEN and dissemination of best practice. I am both pleased and proud to report that the opportunity to engage with a BG research internship culminating in an international conference involving this very theme, surpassed many of my dreams and I need to thank my SENI tutor for this. Most memorable was the opportunity to connect with international colleagues from Germany, the UAE and China, and the exciting experience of working alongside other presenters making last-minute improvements to their work in the hotel lobby with twenty minutes to go. The presentation itself? Yes, all those hours of preparation and practice in front of the mirror, and occasionally the dog, poor thing, appeared to pay off, and despite the natural anxiety involved in a debut presentation to international academics, our research was so well received, that the smile of accomplishment lasted for days. Ultimately, it was a privilege to represent BGU within the international research community. Throughout this experience, I often reflected upon the six BGU graduate attributes and was keen to demonstrate these attributes through my conduct and contributions. However, one attribute was especially relevant, one which is dear to my heart, through engaging with the project and conference, I became a fully-fledged Bishop Grosseteste University Global Citizen.” If you are interested in finding out what adventures BGU can offer you, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team to see our full portfolio of courses. -
BGU Continue to Nurture Educational Links in Thailand
This week, BGU colleagues travelled to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) in Thailand to continue developing the partnership between the two institutions. This visit follows the National review of ITE in Thailand led by Professor Chris Atkin, and subsequent visits to Thailand including by the University Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil. Professor Chris Atkin, Professor of Higher Education at BGU, was pleased to see work carried out over the last two years continuing to bring positives results: “It is wonderful to be returning to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University almost exactly two years after I first visited as part of the government funded programme to review Initial Teacher Education. The warmth of our reception is an indicator of the ongoing development of the relationship between the two universities.” Dr. Warisara Yangklang, who teaches on English Programmes at NRRU, joined Professor Atkin in praising the efforts made by the two universities: “It has been a wonderful time to meet our BGU colleagues, and we hope to further develop this good connection in the future. We want to move forward with our project and our collaborative programmes for English language and Research.” A number of Professor Atkin’s colleagues from the school of Teacher Development, including Dr Steven Puttick, Dr Abigail Parrish and Kevin McLaughlin along with BGU’s International Manager Wayne Dyble have been discussing the opportunities for this international partnership to enhance the opportunities available to all of BGU’s students. Dr Nick Gee, Head of the School of Teacher Development at BGU holds a Visiting Professorship at NRRU, and BGU are excited about the growing collaborations between the universities. Over the next two weeks BGU will be delivering courses on Research, and English Language Teaching to staff and students at NRRU. Piyachat Dhephasadin Na Ayudhaya, Director of International Affairs at NRRU, described the positive impact the work of the BGU academics would have: “Having BGU colleagues visiting NRRU will provide a great opportunity for teachers in Korat. Having BGU colleagues delivering sessions on teaching English will help to provide lecturers in NRRU school teachers across the wider Korat region with new approaches towards teaching English.” BGU have a global outlook on education, and our courses offer unprecedented opportunities to travel and teach. You can find more information about all of these, including our BA and MA Courses in TESOL on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team.
Explore BGU
Browse our wide range of degree courses and find the perfect one for you.
Open days are the best way to find out what BGU has to offer.
Download your copy of our prospectus to find out more about life at BGU.