Working together on teaching innovation: join a special interest group
From GenAI and IX technology to learning analytics and inter- and transdisciplinary teaching: each of Leiden University’s special interest groups (SIGs) is based on a hot topic in teaching innovation. This makes them anything but talking shops, says policy officer Tanja de Bie.
Hi Tanja, what are special interest groups, and who are they for?
‘SIGs are communities where people discuss an urgent topic in teaching innovation. They run both vertically and horizontally through the whole organisation, bringing together lecturers and support staff from central services and the faculties alike. Anyone who is involved in or passionate about a particular topic can join a SIG.’
There are currently four SIGs. What topics do these groups cover?
‘Our pilot SIG, the one that started it all, is AI in Education. That’s been the hot topic at the university for some time now. The Immersive Experiences SIG covers topics such as virtual and augmented reality in research and teaching. That may sound very technical, but it can just as easily be about ethics. There’s also a SIG on using modern tools to analyse teaching and learning, Learning Analytics, and finally there’s a SIG for an exciting form of teaching, Inter- & Transdisciplinary Education. And there’s some good news: a fifth SIG is on the way. I can’t reveal the theme yet, but the group will launch in January.’
What is the aim of the SIGs?
‘The idea is that they’re not just talking shops but actually make things happen. The university already has various communities focused on sharing knowledge and best practices. Those are useful too, but what I think sets the SIGs apart is that we also focus on action. We organise knowledge cafés and presentations, but the plan is also to write position papers and run experiments, for example. Then we can look together at how to take these innovations a step further.’
Why is it important that as many people as possible to join?
‘We want the input from the university to cut across different areas. The idea is that rather than everyone reinventing the wheel on their own, we work together. Students are very welcome too, as this is about their education. And because the SIGs are evidence informed, it’s also important to us that colleagues contribute their academic insights, not just their opinions.’
And what are the main reasons for staff to become a member?
‘Having a say is a really important one. Some colleagues may think that policy is something for specific departments only, but nothing could be further from the truth! These themes affect all of us. Joining takes as much or as little time as you want – from an hour a month – for example by asking a question in your SIG’s Teams channel – to ten hours a week if you want to help write a position paper.’
Anything else you’d like to say about the SIGs?
‘Just that it’s fun and exciting to explore new possibilities together. The meetings aren’t long, intense sessions – they’re much more light-hearted than that. For many colleagues, these topics are a real passion, and you can feel that energy in the room. Each degree programme is unique, of course, but we also share a great deal. If we join forces, we really can take things to the next level.’
Want to join a SIG?
To join a SIG, all you have to do is join the relevant Teams community. Use the links below to send a short message to the organising team, and they’ll give you access to Teams.
At Leiden University, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) form part of the LES Network. To learn more, explore the dedicated page on the LLInC website.
Text: Evelien Flink
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