Case studies in teaching and learning innovation

We share good practice and innovations across departments, and we draw on best practice within the sector.

Our teaching innovations makes an impact locally and nationally - four staff won National Teaching Fellowships between 2018 and 2023 with winners recognised for superb practice such as:

the innovative use of learning technology
new approaches to the teaching of anatomy
the development of students’ communication skills via work with local schools

The expertise of these colleagues influences practice in their own departments as well as institutional development - through involvement in project groups and leadership of our Learning and Teaching Forum.

Putting innovation into practice

We have many examples of innovative practice supporting our students in their learning and in their life at University.

In one department, first-year students participate in a non-assessed team exercise to respond to an educational challenge pitched by an external NGO, local business or charity. In another, each student belongs to a ‘teaching college’ in which tutors meet the same small tutorial group of up to five students repeatedly across years, building constructive relationships. A third department uses cross-cohort teaching so that new students work together with and learn alongside upper year peers, an approach praised by the external examiner.

Our staff adopt approaches to teaching and learning which are praised by the external examiners.

In the cross-disciplinary Art Law module, History of Art and Law students engage in art law case studies, with visits to legal firms and talks from legal professionals. The varied assessment on this module - including presentations and editorials - was praised by the external examiner for the way it supports interdisciplinary learning.

Professor Gabrielle Finn of the Hull York Medical School was made a National Teaching Fellow in 2019, for advocating the creation of collaborative learning networks to support diverse groups of learners, as well as pioneering new pedagogic approaches such as ultraviolet body painting.

Our intercultural PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) scheme allows native speakers to be paired with Languages for All students, to enhance their understanding of a new language and culture, whilst our popular Student Buddy schemes put students in touch with each other enabling them to build their social circles.