Monday 8th September, 1-2pm
Linking University Research and Teaching

Abstract
In our 1996 meta-analysis we demonstrated a close to zero relationship between university research and teaching. This session will update the research findings on the relationship, comment on the resistance to evidence based research, and provide an interpretation of a null finding that may lead to a higher relationship between the quality or teaching and research.

Prof. John Hattie
MGSE, University of Melbourne

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Friday 29th August, 12:30-2pm
What Australia should not learn from UK Higher Education

Abstract
Although Australia became a quasi-independent dominion in 1901 and achieved a more definite national independence after World War 2, the higher education systems in Australia and UK remain similar. At times the two systems almost feel like one. There are also interesting differences, and larger variations in society, history and world geo-context. This seminar will reflect on these patterns.

Professor Simon Marginson
Professor of International Higher Education, Institute of Education, University of London

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Monday 25th August, 1-2pm
Reinvigorating the Australian research funding system

Abstract
Australia allocates $9 billion a year of taxpayers’ money for research, but how do we know if that money is being spent wisely? With the Australian Government threatening to reduce the amount of money allocated to research, it is time for researchers to take a more serious look at how to improve the research funding system.

Despite a barrage of criticism of the Australian research funding system, there is a lack of meaningful change in the system: the majority of researchers see the system as arcane, overly-bureaucratic and wildly inefficient. In many other areas of policy, including health, education and labour market policy, we subject such government expenditure to rigorous, systematic evaluation. However, evaluation of our research investments is almost non-existent. In this presentation, I review the problem and examine how the research funding system could be reinvigorated to provide better outcomes for researchers and provide the taxpayer with more confidence about the way their money is being spent.

Prof. Paul Jensen

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Friday 22nd August, 12:30-2pm
Does Higher Education Make You Think?

Abstract
Higher education is a noble and longstanding enterprise. And yet, curiously, it has not been a particularly self-reflective one. Especially in times of economic or political difficulty, the academic community has been more ready to analyse and campaign about what is being done to it than what it does to itself and to its most important members—its students. All too often we can focus on issues like funding, economic returns on investment, relative institutional prestige and the like, and ignore what tutors and researchers working directly with students frequently hear in interviews: “it changed my life”. This seminar is based on my new book, The Question of Conscience: higher education and personal responsibility  (London, Institute of Education Press, 2014).  In it I examine several distinct claims about what higher education does to and for students: in existential terms (how students come to be); in epistemological terms (how they think and appraise information); in behavioural terms (how they learn to conduct themselves); and in positional terms (both through competition and collaboration).

Prof. Sir David Watson
Principal, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford

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Seminar schedule - Registration is below.

• Financing higher education
  28 May, 6-8pm - Melbourne - attend in person or access the live-stream
  Speakers: Bruce Chapman, Steven Schwartz, Jane den Hollander. Chairs: Hamish Coates and Leo Goedegebuure
  What are the best funding arrangements for higher education in Australia? What are important recent trends in funding? What further changes are required to position Australian higher education for a high-quality and productive future?

• Productivity in higher education
  12 June, 5:30-7:30pm - Canberra - no live-stream for this event
  Speakers: Robert Griew, Beth Webster, Andrew Norton and Peter Dawkins. Chair: Hamish Coates.
  How can universities further boost their social and economic contribution to Australia? How can institutions provide education better and cheaper? What change strategies are feasible, and what are the implications? What are five proven approaches for improving higher education productivity?
• System and institutional excellence
  24 July - Melbourne
  What can be done to further ensure that higher education in Australia serves our diverse population? What is a sustainable configuration of strategic profiles that will boost system and institutional excellence? What are key implications from online provision and hybrid corporate structures?
• Graduate capability
  21 August - Melbourne
  Beyond big business to portfolio careers, what capability and experience is required by future graduates? Can graduates secure jobs before completion? What are the job- and skill-needs of the future? What industry and more general capabilities will help distinguish graduates from Australian universities?
• University research and innovation
  10 September - Canberra
  With the decline of manufacturing, research and innovation edge closer to core business for Australia. But global competition is on the rise and Australia lacks scale and expertise. What is required to build Australia’s future research system and capability? How can commercialisation and impact be improved?
• Tertiary Workforce
  30 October - Sydney
  The tertiary workforce grows in significance and age, and with superannuation booming retirements accelerate. What is the state and prospects of Australia’s tertiary teaching, research and professional workforce? What are the opportunities and challenges over the next five years?

Please note: these seminars are free to attend but registration is required. Onlline registration is below.

Live stream and Twitter
For interstate and international audiences, we have organised a live-stream for most events. A link will be provided here.

Venues

• Melbourne:
  • Wednesday 28 May, 6-8PM (canapes and drinks from 5:30PM).
    Woodward Conference Centre, 10th Floor, Melbourne Law School, Pelham St
    The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria

• Canberra:
  • Thursday 12 June, 5:30-7:30PM (canapes and drinks from 5PM).
    50 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City. Entry is off Marcus Clarke St through designated doors.

The CSHE conducts the research and policy seminar series Ideas and Issues in Higher Education.
These seminars are open to the public.
Seminars are normally held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Mondays at CSHE (Level 1, 715 Swanston Street, Carlton). People interested in giving a seminar should contact Professor Hamish Coates (hamishc@unimelb.edu.au) with their proposal. Registration enquiries to Molly McKew (molly.mckew@unimelb.edu.au) or +61 3 8344 4605). Online registration below.

Monday 28th April, 1-2pm
Assuring graduates' English language learning outcomes: Options and strategies

Abstract:
Australian universities states that oral and written communication skills are important graduate attributes.  Yet there are perceptions within the community that graduates lack the necessary communication skills, as we see from employers and through allegations of soft-marking.  There is a gap between what universities state is important and public perceptions that raise questions about the quality of Australian higher education. This presentation will discuss the findings from an Office for Learning and Teaching Senior National fellowship focused on effective and economical ways of addressing the gap without increasing workloads for academics.

Associate Professor Sophia Arkoudis
Lecturer in Higher Education
Centre for the Study of Higher Education