ABSTRACT

The influence of non-formal professional learning in higher education remains a relatively under-researched area. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by exploring the impact of an implementation of non-formal professional learning operating at an Irish university since April 2017. The initiative – called The Sipping Point – aims to promote and facilitate conversations about teaching among staff through a consistent format of monthly gatherings, short talks, and open discussion. This paper reports findings from an open-ended survey exploring the impact on participants’ practice and views about education. Following a process of thematic analysis, key themes included the value of connecting with peers, the perception of the space as a source of new ideas, and a sense of encouragement to try new things in teaching practice. The study includes analysis from a lead facilitator who reports strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats potentially of interest to those considering similar activities.

摘要

非正规专业学习对高等教育的影响仍然是一个研究相对不足的领域。本文旨在通过探讨自 2017 年 4 月以来在爱尔兰大学实施的非正规专业学习实施的影响，为文献做出贡献。该倡议被称为The Sipping Point– 旨在通过一致的每月聚会、简短会谈和公开讨论的形式，促进和促进教职员工之间关于教学的对话。本文报告了一项开放式调查的结果，该调查探讨了对参与者的实践和对教育的看法的影响。经过主题分析，关键主题包括与同伴联系的价值、将空间视为新思想来源的感知以及在教学实践中尝试新事物的鼓励感。该研究包括来自主要促进者的分析，该促进者报告了考虑类似活动的人可能感兴趣的优势、劣势、机会和威胁。