WIHEA & IATL were delighted to welcome Dr Chris Thompson, Associate Dean (Education) in Science & Senior Lecturer at Monash University who joined colleagues here at Warwick for a week under the Monash Warwick Alliance Visiting Educator Scheme.

Dr Jonathan Heron, IATL, co-ordinated the visit which took place at the start of the Spring Term (16 to 20 January 2017), with Prof Peter Sadler and Dr Isolda Romero-Canelon, Chemistry, to further develop the collaborative work with Monash which has enabled students to learn beyond the traditional boundaries of the arts and science.

Dr Chris Thompson is an education focused academic with an active research portfolio in education publications in chemistry and science pedagogy, and supervision of five PhD students in the field. As one of two Monash based leaders of the 'Performing Chemistry' project 2012-16, Chris has been involved in the design and implementation of the project since the begining, this visit enabled further exploration of the use of digital technology to make the practce sustainable.

Chris delivered a number of presentations within the Chemistry Department on innovation teaching and about sharing practices more widely through Unit Enhancement, Lecture Access and the roll-out of Peer Partnerships.

Also during his visit, Chris shared his insights and expertise with WIHEA Fellows and Staff from across the Univeristy during two interactive Masterclasses, where he facilitated discussions to explore the future of traditonal lectures and supported staff interested in pedagogical reserach.

More information on the topics covered in Chris's Masterclasses are below:

Is there a Future for the Lecture? An interactive workshop for Warwick staff around the theme of lectures, debating whether the 'lecture' is ready to be abolished or whether we are looking at a paradigm shift for the role of expert lectures. Presentation slides and video to follow shortly.

Getting Started in Pedagogical Research; this workshop was specifically for staff who were new to the field of pedagogical research. Presentation slides and and video to follow shortly.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Performing Chemistry Project or Dr Chris Thompson's visit please contact Dr Jonathan Heron, IATL by email: Jonathan.Heron@warwick.ac.uk

For more information on Dr Chris Thompson, please follow this link.