11 Practice Sharing to Promote Innovation and Professional Learning at Mary Immaculate College

Context and Purpose

This initiative supports innovation and professional learning in Mary Immaculate College (MIC) by promoting practice sharing as a central mechanism for pedagogical development. Led by Learning Enhancement and Academic Development (LEAD), the work aims to support inclusive teaching practices and the effective use of technology to enhance student learning.

Aims and Objectives

• Support innovation in teaching and learning within the higher education sector.
• Promote the effective use of technology within the classroom to support student learning.
• Foster a culture of inclusion and promote inclusive practice across the institution.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practice among practitioners as a form of professional development.

Initiative Overview

LEAD promotes a culture of innovation and practice sharing in higher education with the aim of supporting the effective use of technology in the classroom and embedding more inclusive teaching practices. To support this aim, four interrelated initiatives have been developed.

Case Studies

The LEAD case studies highlight excellent teaching practices across MIC. Each case study provides a description of the approaches implemented, the benefits and challenges of these approaches, relevant resources (such as grading rubrics and assessment forms), and practical tips for colleagues who wish to implement similar approaches in their own teaching.

Case studies explore strategies for authentic assessment, embedding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in modules, and the effective use of digital technologies to support student learning. The development of this resource is ongoing. Case studies for the 2025–2026 academic year will focus on strategies for integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic practice and are scheduled to launch in the spring.

UDL Community of Practice

Monthly Community of Practice (CoP) sessions are held to facilitate discussion and practice sharing related to inclusive teaching, learning, and assessment strategies. The CoP supports staff who have completed the UDL digital badge and who are committed to enhancing inclusive academic practices.

The monthly sessions are delivered in a hybrid format to enhance accessibility. In addition, a Microsoft Teams space has been created to support ongoing sharing of resources. These activities support peer learning and deepen understanding of how UDL principles can enhance teaching, learning, assessment, and feedback.

Knowledge Base Resources

The LEAD Knowledge Base (KB) is an evolving resource designed to support staff in developing their use of MIC systems, technologies, and pedagogical approaches. It provides access to a range of articles and guides and offers flexible, 24/7 ‘just-in-time’ professional development support.

Although designed primarily for the MIC community, the LEAD Knowledge Base is openly accessible and is a useful resource for higher education teachers across the sector. The Knowledge Base is informed by best practice frameworks, including UDL and DigCompEdu, and is designed to cater to a range of user needs.

Usage data, including search terms, is analysed to identify areas of demand for upskilling and to inform the development of new resources. As a result, the Knowledge Base evolves directly in response to evidenced need within MIC and the wider sector.

Graduate and Academic Teaching Enhancement Centre (GATE)

The Graduate and Academic Teaching Enhancement (GATE) Centre is a partnership between LEAD and the Research and Graduate School. It is a new teaching, learning, and digital resource development space for staff and postgraduate students.

The GATE Centre is supported by the National Forum and by MIC’s Finance and Building & Estates divisions. It will provide facilities for hyflex teaching, recording and production of digital resources, and the development of transversal skills among postgraduate students. Staff will be supported to use podcasting, video recording, and green screen technologies to enhance teaching and learning.

Infrastructure development was completed in May, and the Centre is currently being equipped with technology and resources. A programme of training is being developed to support its use, and it is anticipated that the GATE Centre will open to staff and postgraduate students in January 2026.

Impact and Evidence of Success

Evidence of impact is already emerging across several initiatives. To date, the LEAD case studies series has received 631 views, while the Knowledge Base receives over 2,000 consultations per semester.

Participation in the UDL Community of Practice continues to grow, alongside uptake of the UDL digital badge, with over 130 staff awarded the badge to date. While the GATE Centre is still in development, it is anticipated that access to these resources will have a significant impact on how technology is used to support learning at MIC.

Future Directions and Sustainability

Many of the initiatives outlined above are in progress, and viewed as key avenues for supporting the professional development of those who teach. We plan to build upon the success of these initiatives, and are particularly excited about the potential of the GATE Centre to support innovative practice and the professional development of all those who teach in MIC.  

Alignment and Policy Context

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles
• EU Digital Education Action Plan

Resources and Supporting Information

• LEAD, Mary Immaculate College
• LEAD Case Studies

Funding & Acknowledgements Details

SATLE Funding