On the 15th of each month, we are inviting those working in the field of learning development to share their day. Write up what you have done on the 15th of the month (or your nearest working day to this date) (plus reflections) and share it with us via this short submission form. The entries will be shared here on the ALDinHE blog.
In 2010-11 and 2014-15, the ALDinHE website was previously used for a collective online journal by members of the LD community. The collective journal re-launched on the 15 May 2023. You can read the journal entries for each month. The shared experiences and ideas have helped shape CPD resources developed for new and experienced staff, and to identify other areas for future work.
A reminder will go out on the LDHEN list on the 15th of each month. Share your day by completing the short submission form for it to be added to the ALDinHE blog.
Sandra Sinfield – London Metropolitan University
Tuesday 15th July 2025 became special day – I spent it at the #ActiveLearningNetwork’s fabulous online Conference: !
The very first session by Maria Ishkova, Sydney University completely blew my mind for its creative adventurousness. I really doubt that something like this would even be imagined here in the UK in these harsh times. She devised a module, I think it was Business Communications – and there was a focus also on creating belonging in students – it was part of the overall assessment.
The students were given a swathe of creative challenges that took them out of the classroom to make contact – communicate – find out stuff – and reflect … all supported by Feedback Hugs!
The tasks included taking chocolates into another module and talking with the students there – moving about the university and discussing belonging with the people they met – talking to elecit a “No”… with in-class reflection and post class peer feedback – the Hug.
The impact of the latter was so powerful! It made students feel valued – it developed intrinsic motivation – it fostered belonging – and cultivated friendships.
I love everything I heard about that module – and I am so desperate to get Feedback Hugs into our PGCertLTHE.
Sandra, thanks so much for sharing your experience at the #ActiveLearningNetwork conference. Maria’s module sounds amazing.