Practice and work-based learning in higher education: past, present and future tense

The Work & Learning Network for the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) has been a longstanding sector-based champion for studies that promote learning in the workplace and professional practice. This network supports those who are engaging with a practice-based mindset for higher education. Now, as we reach a new academic year, it is worth reflecting on the legacy that research, scholarship and practice in this field can offer. As educators, our aim is to sustain learning and teaching that is authentic and applies to multiple real-world disciplinary and occupational contexts. As academic practitioners, we engage with the mission to offer distinctive stakeholder strategies for employer led organisational learning that includes skills, entrepreneurship and continued professional development. This interactive workshop will include case studies from our Work & Learning Network that will focus on exploring ways to enhance practice using innovative approaches for 2026 and beyond. The audience is invited to bring their own case studies to share success stories and challenges to add to this collaborative ‘thinktank’ session.  

Biography

 

Dr Paula McIver Nottingham is an experienced academic practitioner specialising in practice-based and work-based learning within Higher Education and is co-convenor for the Work & Learning Network (UALL). She is an Associate Professor and Post-Graduate Research Lead for the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education at Middlesex University. Her professional interests include pedagogic research in higher education, professional practice/work-based learning, doctoral studies, degree apprenticeships, organisational learning and coaching, inclusive and creative pedagogies, lifelong learning, and technology enhanced learning.