Facilitated and chaired by: Dr Rita Hordósy who is the co-convenor of the Student Access and Experience Network. For more details about the network and its activities, please click here .

Overview

This symposium explores the diverse dynamics and experiences of the research/teaching nexus (RTN) across various contexts and subject areas in higher education globally. The first presentation investigates the RTN within English Medium Instruction (EMI) across Japan, Ethiopia, Poland, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting unique strategies and challenges shaped by distinct socioeconomic backdrops, educational policies, and structural frameworks. The second presentation delves into Finnish student teachers' engagement with RTN in primary education, emphasising the role of educational science, research skills, and scientific literacy in teacher education. The third presentation examines the balance between "hard currency" (research) and "soft currency" (teaching) tasks among early career academics (ECAs) in China, discussing institutional pressures and proposing a more balanced valuation to enhance satisfaction and productivity. The final presentation draws on longitudinal and comparative studies to explore student experiences of RTN, focusing on the evolving perceptions of research, the motivational role of academic models, and the institutional structures supporting transitions from learners to researchers. Collectively, these presentations provide a comprehensive understanding of TRN in diverse educational settings, highlighting critical factors that influence the integration of teaching and research, and offering insights into best practices and potential areas for improvement in higher education globally.

Schedule