The Association for Learning Development in Higher Education (ALDinHE) is proud to host the Plymouth Regional Symposium, bringing together higher education professionals, educators, and academic skills specialists for an immersive day of exchange and collaboration. Hosted at the University of Plymouth, this event provides an ideal space for learning developers, academic tutors, librarians, and educational researchers to share practical insights, present emerging research, and discuss pressing challenges in higher education. As student demographics and technological landscapes continue to shift rapidly, higher education institutions face an ongoing need to evolve their teaching and academic support frameworks. This regional event serves as a platform to highlight localized practices while connecting them to national conversations across the sector.
Core Themes and Key Objectives
The symposium centers on creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that empower undergraduates and postgraduates across diverse academic pathways. Key themes explored throughout the day include embedding academic literacies within subject curricula, leveraging generative artificial intelligence ethically in teaching, and nurturing student resilience and transition. Participants will examine how learning development professionals act as vital third-space educators who bridge academic disciplines, student services, and institutional strategy. The primary goal is to provide delegates with evidence-informed strategies and adaptable frameworks that can be directly implemented in their home institutions to improve student engagement, retention, and overall academic success.
Session Structure and Collaborative Workshops
Designed for active participation rather than passive listening, the schedule features a dynamic blend of lightning talks, interactive workshops, and structured panel discussions. Early sessions focus on innovative teaching interventions, detailing real-world case studies where learning developers partnered with academic departments to co-design discipline-specific study skills modules. Midday workshops dive into practical toolkits for academic writing support, critical thinking instruction, and peer mentoring models. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on group exercises where they break down common barrier areas in student learning and collaboratively draft pedagogical solutions.
Networking and Community Impact
Beyond structured presentations, a central aim of the symposium is fostering sustainable regional networks of practice. Dedicated networking breaks and facilitated discussion circles allow colleagues from across Plymouth and the broader region to exchange ideas, discover common institutional goals, and explore future collaborative research projects. For practitioners pursuing professional accreditation, the symposium offers valuable opportunities to reflect on personal practice and gather evidence suitable for professional recognition frameworks. By building stronger local bonds among educational practitioners, the event strengthens the broader learning development community across the United Kingdom.
Registration and Participation Details
Attendance is open to all professionals involved in higher education teaching, learning support, and student guidance. Registration is free for staff members belonging to ALDinHE institutional member universities, while individual members and non-members can attend at accessible non-member rates. Attendees are encouraged to register early via the official website to reserve their seats and receive pre-event reading materials. Whether you are an experienced practitioner looking to disseminate recent project outcomes or a newly appointed academic tutor seeking foundational insights, this symposium offers a welcoming and enriching environment for professional growth.
Key Event Highlights
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Interactive roundtables on embedding inclusive digital learning practices across university curricula.
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Collaborative workshops exploring innovative academic writing and student transition methodologies.
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Keynote panel discussions featuring leading Plymouth and regional UK learning developers.
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Peer-led networking circles focused on building resilient regional networks of practice.
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Dedicated sessions on AI integration, ethical scholarship, and student wellbeing strategies.
Venue & Location Info
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