Research and Scholarship Development

I have worked in inclusive learning contexts since 1994, initially in primary and secondary school settings, before entering higher education in 2008 working with neurodivergent and disabled learners at the University of Glasgow. In 2012, I was involved with creation of a study skills service at the University of Strathclyde (now Learner Development Services), delivering induction and widening participation activities, workshops, 1-2-1 appointments, and creating online resources.  Working collaboratively with academic and university services partners, I also facilitate the development of specific academic literacies. I have been a member of the ALDinHE Research and Development Working Group since 2016.

Finley is the Education Development Lead at Canterbury Christ Church University. Combining research and outreach experience, his work focuses on an evidence-led approach to innovative engagement and CPD strategies, and researching HE student access and success. Prior to this Finley was a Lead Research Fellow at the LASAR educational Research Centre. He passed his PhD viva in March 2023, and worked in a collaboration with the schools’ and college engagement team and Kent UniConnect Hub (KMPF) to develop award winning research-engaged widening participation practice. He has experience of developing strong research partnerships with stakeholders and undertaking desk and field-based research.

Steering Group Member
Chair of the Research and Scholarship Development Group

Ian is a Teaching Fellow in Learning Development at University of Portsmouth. He has been active in ALDinHE since 2015 and is currently on the Steering Group and chairs the Research and Scholarship Development Working Group. Ian set up ALDinHE’s research community of practice in 2020 to provide informal peer support, critical friendship etc for research-active learning developers. In 2023, Ian completed his professional doctorate on the framing and value of Learning Development work and has published on these topics since. Ian also has scholarship interests in the shape of embedded Learning Development work and the impact of playful learning on student engagement.

Shaun Bremner-Hart is a lecturer in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow. He has experience teaching and conducting scholarship research in the UK and at international institutes. Shaun is interested in the development of inclusive teaching material, creative pedagogy and integrating reflective practice into STEM subjects.

Silvina has been a Learning Developer at Canterbury Christ Church University since 2012. During her time at CCCU she has worked on the development of online learning materials, peer-mentoring schemes and embedding academic literacies in academic programmes. She has an MA in TESOL (EAP), has achieved CeLP status and is an Advanced HE Fellow. She has been a member of ALDinHE Research, Scholarship and Development Working Group since 2016.

Research and Scholarship Development Working Group Member

Steve works in a hybrid educational developer / learning developer role in Southampton University Business School and has previously worked at Arts University Bournemouth in a similar role. He supports various forms of peer learning, transition and student representative schemes, whilst attempting to influence curriculum development to include consideration for LD. He is interested in exploring third space work in HE for learning developers, the development of student and staff digital literacy, and teaching and learning critical thinking.