AKU Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference​
Teaching & Learning Innovation Showcase Competition​



The Teaching and Learning Innovation Showcase Competition invites students, faculty, and staff to share their innovative practices in teaching and learning in higher education through short videos, flash talks and e-poster sessions. The primary goal of this showcase is to celebrate and reward pedagogical innovations and high-impact teaching and learning practices, generating a repository of these practices as valuable resources and sources of inspiration in the context of higher education.

In the context of education, innovation encompasses the intentional adoption of alternative teaching and learning methods that go beyond traditional lecture-based approaches. It involves the incorporation of unique, cutting-edge, or novel practices aimed at promoting deep and active student engagement. The primary objective of innovation in education is to cultivate higher-order thinking skills, foster professional mindsets, and instill value systems that empower students to become active participants in their own learning journey and valuable contributors to society. This concept strongly aligns with Aga Khan University's graduate attribute of 'Using innovative and creative thinking to solve complex problems.'

Format of Teaching and Learning Innovation Showcase 

In this showcase, we provide a diverse range of formats to highlight these innovations, including concise videos, dynamic flash talks, and visually appealing digital posters. Through this multi-dimensional approach, we aim to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas, inspire creativity, and promote best practices in education. 
  • Video (3-5 minutes): Applicants can create and present a compelling video that effectively highlights the key aspects of their teaching and learning innovation.
  • Flash Talks (3-5 minutes): Applicants can deliver a dynamic and engaging flash talk, showcasing their innovation and providing a concise overview of its key features and benefits.
  • e-Poster Presentation (3-5 minutes): Applicants can use captivating visuals and innovative design to create compelling e-posters that effectively showcase their innovation.

Guidelines for Submission:

1. The abstract should include the following: 
  • Conference Sub-theme
  • Title of the paper [Maximum 200 characters]
  • Complete Name of the author(s) (up to 6 authors may be listed) and institution of affiliations (city, state, country). Avoid using abbreviations for department/institution names.
  • Background and rationale: State the teaching and learning issue you are addressing. Provide a clear explanation of the context and why the innovation is necessary or beneficial.
  • Innovation: Describe the innovative practice or approach you have implemented. Provide a concise and clear overview of the innovation, including its objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. Emphasize the novelty, creativity, and potential impact of the showcased innovation on teaching and learning. Differentiate it from traditional teaching methods and highlight how it contributes to improved student engagement or learning outcomes.
  • Evidence and impact: Present any relevant evidence or data that supports the effectiveness of the innovation. This may include student feedback, assessment results, or research findings. Demonstrate the direct impact of the innovation on teaching and learning, highlighting its significance and potential benefits for the academic and student community.
  • Practical implications: Outline the practical implications of the highlighted innovation, demonstrating how others can use it and adapt it to different contexts. Provide actionable recommendations and strategies for incorporating innovation into teaching practices. Consider potential challenges or limitations and suggest ways to overcome them.
  • Word Count: Maximum 500 words
  • Indicate the desired mode for showcasing your innovation, whether it's through videos, flash talks, or e-poster presentations. Detailed guidelines for each format will be shared with those whose abstracts are accepted, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to prepare and present your work effectively.
2. The language used in the abstract should be UK English.
3. ​​Submit your abstract online through the abstract submission process in a Word file (docx) format with 12-point Times New Roman font. 
4. A panel of reviewers will evaluate the teaching and learning innovation showcase, considering various factors, including the clear articulation and relevance of the addressed problem to the conference theme, a thorough overview of the innovative practice, the novelty, originality and impact of the innovation in enhancing teaching and learning experiences, and the potential for broader application and adaptability to different contexts.
5. Teams are encouraged to collaborate with students as part of their innovation development process, fostering partnership and student engagement in the showcased initiatives.
6. The showcase will be conducted as a competition, and the best presentations will be awarded during the closing ceremony of the conference. This recognition highlights and celebrates outstanding innovations in teaching and learning, inspiring further advancements in the academic community.​
7. You can access a collection of Useful Tips for Teaching and Learning Innovation Showcase​, designed to enhance your experience and participation in this event.

​Submit your proposals for T & L Innovation Showcase​


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