The Conversations on Teaching & Learning Seminar Series is a series of end of semester seminars/workshops organised by the Teaching & Learning Unit in response to feedback from and consultations with staff regarding their specific requirements. The series is designed to provide a mix of input from both a facilitator and staff themselves where staff can meet their colleagues at the end, of what is often, a hectic semester and experiences can be discussed, common issues identified and teased out, and best practice shared. Staff are invited to attend any or all sessions as appropriate.
Conversations on Teaching and Learning Winter Programme 2025/26
The following is the schedule for our 2025/26 Winter Programme, which will take place from 12th -16th January 2026:
The following are details of the sessions held so far together with links to the relevant resources::
My Professional Development: TLASE CPD Opportunities in Semester 2, 2025/26
Monday, 12 January 2026, 10:00 – 10:45 Seminar Description Each academic year, the Teaching and Learning Unit (TLU) offers an important range of relevant, useful and accessible formal continuing professional development opportunities related to teaching, learning, assessment and student engagement (TLASE) to MTU staff.
These offerings provide staff with opportunities to reflect on and identify potential changes to their practice, with the ultimate aim of enhancing teaching, learning, assessment and student engagement for staff and students. The purpose of this session was to provide more information about each of the above programmes and to give participants an opportunity to hear from previous participants about what they learned and how it had impacted on their practice. Presented By
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People & Culture Presents: Staff Development Opportunities 2026
Monday, 12 January 2026, 14:00 – 15:00 Description This session explored continuing professional development opportunities available through the People & Culture function for 2026. Daniel Spillane and Angela Teahan provided an overview of forthcoming CPD initiatives, demonstrated how staff could navigate and use the MTU CPD Portal, and shared a preview of key insights emerging from the 2025 PMSS Training Needs Analysis. Presented By
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Mind the Gap: Why 90% of Irish SMEs Need AI Leadership Now
Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 Description This session examined the challenges and opportunities associated with AI adoption in Irish small and medium-sized enterprises. Drawing on recent research and SME workshops, the presenter discussed the absence of formal AI strategies in many organisations and explored approaches to responsible AI adoption, including structured employee engagement, feedback loops, policy development and people-centred leadership practices. Presented By
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Faculty Support Series: GenAI & Assessment – Survey Results & Next Steps
Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 12:00 – 13:00 Description This session followed on from the Faculty Support Series on GenAI & Assessment delivered in Semester 1. The presenters shared key findings from the post-session survey, highlighted trends, challenges and opportunities identified across faculties, and outlined proposed next steps and supports for Semester 2. Time was also provided for discussion and questions from participants. Presented By
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Teaching That Connects: Strengthening Teacher–Student Relationships
Thursday, 15 January 2026, 10:00 – 11:00 Description This seminar focused on the role of connection and relational practice in teaching and learning. Through research evidence and practical examples, the session explored how small relational practices could enhance students’ sense of belonging, confidence and engagement, and offered practical ideas for creating inclusive learning environments Presented By
Presenter Biography Lauren Flannery is an Associate Professor in Speech & Language Therapy at the University of East Anglia. Her work focuses on relational pedagogy, inclusive teaching, and communication access in higher education. She leads multiple institutional and international projects, including the FutureLearn course The Heart of Teaching, and is a recipient of the Change H.E. Award for sector-leading work in inclusive practice. Resources
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When does the Conversations on Teaching & Learning Seminar Series take place?
To begin with, this series typically took place twice a year – either at the start or end of semester 1, end at the end of semester 2. However, experience showed that staff were most receptive to this series at the end of a semester.
Hence, this series now typically runs twice during the academic year – winter and summer. The seminars are held at the end of semester once classes finish, i.e. from week 13 onwards. So, watch this space and keep an eye out for notifications via email, the TLU website news and what’s on sections or on social media.
How is the series structured?
Each series consists of several seminars/workshops held over a two-week period with each seminar/workshop typically lasting around 2 to 3 hours. The seminars/workshops are designed to be a mix of input from facilitator and opportunity for discussion/ networking with colleagues and always promise to be stimulating and thought-provoking for participants.
Who should attend these workshops?
These sessions are offered free of charge and are open to all MTU staff. Each session aspires to be relevant to both early career and experienced staff.
