What are Networks?

Networks can be loosely defined as groups of historians from different institutions who share a common geographic region, subject specialism, or career level. They come together to discuss teaching and learning issues with a view to developing and promoting good practice. There is no single appropriate model for a regional or themed network, but rather many possibilities. For example, to share practical ideas for addressing common teaching problems, such as larger, more diverse, classes, non-traditional forms of assessment, personal tutoring, and providing feedback to more students; to offer opportunities for staff development; to explore and evaluate innovations and recent developments in history teaching and learning; to research current practices and develop more scholarly approaches to history teaching; to develop robust quality assurance mechanisms: to share resources and understanding in an emerging subject.

Perhaps most importantly, establishing a regional or themed network need not be time-consuming and the Subject Centre offers practical support.

If you would like further information, contact the network co-ordinators directly (their details are listed on the Regional and Themed Networks page, or contact Lisa Lavender (L.A.Lavender.1@warwick.ac.uk )if you have an idea for a new network.

Chinese History Teaching Network

I am seeking to establish a network of people who teach Chinese history (any period, both undergraduate and postgraduate) at institutions of higher learning in the UK. The network shall serve as a forum through which instances or best practice can be shared, pedagogical issues debated and suggestions made regarding access to resources for our students.

The network will be open to anyone who teaches Chinese history in the UK – be that in a history, Asian studies or any other department – and for people at any stage of their careers. It is hoped that the network will eventually lead to a series of regular (probably annual) meetings of an informal nature. I also plan to set up a web site to support the network in the near future.

If you are interested in participating in this network, please email me with your institutional affiliation as I am currently building a list if interested teachers. Please also pass on this information to any colleagues who may be interested in joining.

Jeremy Taylor, Lecturer in Chinese Studies, University of Sheffield Jeremy.taylor@shef.ac.uk

PLEASE NOTE: the network now has a resource website ... CHINESE HISTORY TEACHING NETWORK