Teaching and learning

Nobel prizewinner Sir John Gurdon, who famously did not have his potential recognised, and five other scholars recall their school days and the characters that inspired them one way or another

Steve Sarson’s first-years were tasked with a CV exercise on study time, so he reminded them of the alternatives to the market

In the second of a series surveying research evidence about teaching and learning, Graham Gibbs concludes that the best learning is done in small classes involving personal interaction with teachers

Add grade point averages to honours classification for a better snapshot of student achievement, says John Raftery

Universities and schools should collaborate more on classroom techniques to drive up standards in teaching, according to a senior Labour peer.

‘Grade grubbing’ may be on increase as student entitlement grows in high-fees era

Not only do medieval travellers’ tales provide students with a compelling account of history rooted in personal experience, they also promote cross-cultural understanding in the present day, argues David Mould

The memoir of a creative writing tutor stalked by a former student turned “verbal terrorist” is attracting widespread attention.

Canadian company Lashzone sent mass emails to UK universities in bid to establish ‘secret’ franchises on campuses

US-style scheme will feature alongside degree classifications in UK first

But private pupils do not suffer discrimination, expert argues

Regulator to review range of options for institutions falling short on quality measures

The promotion of student employability by universities is “a problem” and the growing power of the student voice amounts to “surveillance” of lecturers, an academic has warned.

The Russell Group of elite universities has declared its opposition to separating AS-levels from A-levels – three weeks after the proposals were announced.

Reluctance to contest marks or ask for help may be factors in attainment gap. Jack Grove writes

Lecturers’ live-to-camera marking of student work proves to be a low-budget hit, reports Chris Parr

In the first of a series surveying research evidence about teaching and learning, Graham Gibbs considers the findings on large class sizes

‘Probably the most significant medieval historian’ rounds on absentee students. Paul Jump writes

Traditional values for OU-led Mooc platform that aims to rival US providers. Chris Parr reports

Part-time teachers are not getting the support they require from university departments, despite their growing importance within the academy.

Gandhi is the inspiration for a rail-based college. Joanna Sugden reports from New Delhi

Personal experience can drive scholars to push the boundaries in their chosen field, writes Jon Marcus

UCU study suggests flaws in student-to-staff ratios may mask true class sizes. Jack Grove reports

Jack Grove speaks to the former president of Ireland who will lead an EU inquiry into higher education