Learning and Teaching at Navitas
25 Sep 2024

A successful inaugural Learning and Teaching Conference (UPA)

Over 200 Navitas educators, leaders, and sector experts gathered this week to explore the theme “Shaping Student Success in Higher Education – Innovative and Inclusive Approaches for Global Learners” at the inaugural UPA Learning and Teaching Conference (2024).

Featuring over 40 presenters from across Navitas UPA, the conference provided an opportunity for staff to come together to explore strategies, exchange ideas, and discuss innovative and evidence-based approaches to fostering student success.

Read on to explore some of the highlights of the conference. 

Keynote Speakers

UPA CEO, Malcom Baigent delivered a welcome speech, and esteemed keynote speakers Professor Sally Kift and Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Scott (Western Sydney University) opened the conference with presentations exploring Navitas and the Australian Universities Accord and addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education institutions.

  • Professor Sally Kift: Shaping Student Success – Navitas and the Accord

In a wide-ranging keynote, Professor Kift addressed key issues facing the Australian international higher education sector, focusing on the Australian Universities Accord and its 47 recommendations aimed at transforming the sector.

Professor Kift also spoke on the concept of student success, noting that it is “contested, complex, and individual” and advocated for a focus on quality learning and teaching, student wellbeing, equity, and safety, both on campus and online. Professor Kift also highlighted the role of belonging in supporting the student experience and fostering student success, noting belonging is a “basic human need”.

“Building belonging and a sense of belonging involves humanising the educational experience, ensuring it’s not merely transactional, but deeply relational and personal and potentially transformative,” said Professor Kift. She noted that research suggests “the key to building belonging is genuine integration between subject curricula and everything else (Wonkhe, 2022)”. Professor Kift encouraged Navitas educators to focus on building a “relationship-rich educational experience” and “humanising the educational experience” and to view every interaction as a “belonging opportunity”.

  • Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Scott: Addressing the UN’s SDGs in our Higher Education Institutions

In his keynote, Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Scott (Western Sydney University) highlighted the importance of addressing fitness of purpose, before fitness for purpose and emphasised the importance of developing work-ready plus graduates, for an uncertain tomorrow.

Professor Scott noted that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) do not operate independently, but a whole-campus approach, integrating SDGs into strategic planning, is crucial. He recommended involving staff and students in projects, putting into place incentives to encourage engagement, as well as annual reporting on SDG performance. Professor Scott also highlighted the need for strong leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and starting small and build on successes.

Panel Discussion – Enhancing Student Success through Support and Wellbeing

The critical roles that student support and wellbeing play in the educational journey of our learners was the focus of a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring UPA EGM, Leigh Pointon, Taylors College Director, Jane James and SAIBT College Director and Principal Matt Stanton, chaired by Christina Del Medico (Director, Learning and Teaching Services, UPA). Some highlights included:

  • The importance of incorporating reflection into learning design, crucial for students’ self-evaluation and skills development.
  • The need to bridge the gap between virtual and physical learning environments, especially post-pandemic.
  • To invest early in helping students understand assessment terminology and engage with peer feedback.
  • A reminder that educators should also prioritise their own reflective practice, even though it’s often challenging due to time constraints.

Spotlight on Presenters

From thought-provoking presentations to lively strategy sessions and lightning talks, the day was filled with insightful discussions, fresh perspectives, and a sense of shared purpose. The sessions addressed five main conference streams:

  • AI and Technology-Enhanced Learning
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
  • Sustainability in Higher Education: Work-Ready, Future Ready
  • Student Success, Support, and Wellbeing
  • Inclusive and Innovative Curriculum and Learning Design

Thirty-one (31) presenters from CELUSA, Deakin College, Edith Cowan College, ECC Sri Lanka, Griffith College, L&T Services, LTCA, LTUSC, Murdoch Dubai, SIBT, Taylors College, UCIC, and Waikato College brought their expertise and creativity to the table. Whether through detailed case studies or interactive strategy sessions, each presentation sparked meaningful dialogue and gave attendees practical takeaways to implement in their own contexts. The presentations not only showcased the talent and dedication of our colleagues but also demonstrated the progressive thinking that drives Navitas forward.

Community and Connection

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to connect with colleagues. The virtual networking spaces were buzzing with discussion, facilitated by Mojtaba Sanati (Curtin College) and Andrea Vergara (SIBT). It was heartening to see so many colleagues sharing ideas and insights, making the networking breaks vibrant with ideas, while also supporting and celebrating successful presentations throughout the day.

L&T Awards

The conference also provided an opportunity to recognise UPA educators who go the extra mile, with the presentation of the inaugural UPA Learning and Teaching Awards for outstanding contributions to learning and teaching. Lorena Ajuria (CELUSA) was awarded the Learning and Teaching Community Engagement Award for her role in supporting the Navitas Advance HE Fellowship program through mentoring and peer guidance. Dr Luke Bozzetto (LTUSC) received the Learning and Teaching Impact Award for his leadership in supporting Navitas educators to navigate the opportunities and challenges of generative AI in higher education.

Call to Action: Feedback Survey

Preliminary feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees highlighting the keynote speeches, opportunities for collaboration provided through networking events, the quality of the presentations, and the strong focus on student wellbeing, equity, and environmentally sustainable design (ESD) as standout elements on the day.

“The sessions were insightful, the speakers were inspiring, and the atmosphere was engaging.” –  Hasara Senathipathi (ECU – Sri Lanka)

“Fabulous event: rich discussions, amazing presentations & great expert panel. SO restorative to spend time on the human side of international education talking all things L&T.” – Professor Sally Kift

There’s still time to provide your feedback, so be sure to share your thoughts and help shape next year’s conference (attendees – check your inbox)!

Looking Forward

As we wrap up this year’s conference, L&T Services would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the day such a success – from the presenters who shared their expertise, to the attendees who engaged so thoughtfully with the content. The energy and passion for learning and teaching were evident throughout the day, and it is exciting to see how these conversations will continue to shape our work.

For Navitas staff who missed a session, or want to revisit key insights, recordings will be available via the Learning and Teaching Service page SharePoint, along with a link to the Padlet wall to add comments and reflections.

Congratulations to the L&T Conference Committee for organising a smooth and enriching event: Karen McRae, Alyce Hogg, Dr Jubin Jacob John, Prathiba Thalpawila (L&T Services UPA), Dr Sheerali Arya (Waikato College), Dr Saad Odeh (SIBT/WSU-SCC) and Sonu Sarda (Taylors College), and co-host Maria Remiendo (LTUSC).

We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve and sharing further insights at the 2025 Learning & Teaching Conference. For more information contact: L&T Services learningandteaching@navitas.com