Organisation Profile

The Pedagogy Research and Innovation Group (PedRIG) promotes and advances internationally recognised pedagogical research, building an evidence base that enhances learning, teaching, and the wider scholarly reputation of USW.

We foster research-engaged teaching and contribute to the development of knowledge and best practice in pedagogy, with a particular focus on the higher education context. While higher education remains our central concern, we recognise and are interested in pedagogical practices across diverse socio-cultural contexts and settings, and we value the interrelationships between higher education and other education systems.

Our group connects researchers around strategic themes, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and drives positive educational change.

Research Themes

Our research is organised around three interconnected themes that reflect our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and societal impact. Each theme supports collaboration across disciplines and responds to the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today.

The themes are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Together, they highlight PedRIG’s ambition to create equitable, sustainable, and digitally-enabled learning environments that prepare students for the future.

Transformative and Inclusive Learning Environments

This theme emphasises equitable, inclusive, and socially just approaches to learning and teaching. It focuses on addressing attainment gaps, supporting underrepresented students, and creating environments where all learners can thrive.

• Equity and Differential Outcomes – tackling degree-awarding gaps, enhancing engagement, and creating equitable pathways to success.
• Inclusive Curriculum and Pedagogy – decolonising curricula, embedding accessibility, and promoting culturally responsive teaching.
• Student Belonging and Community – building inclusive learning communities, strengthening peer support, and enabling smooth transitions into and through higher education.

Future-Focused and Sustainable Pedagogies

This theme highlights pedagogic resilience, adaptability, and responsibility in preparing students for future global and societal challenges. It is underpinned by policy frameworks such as the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, which places sustainability, equity, and long-term impact at the heart of public life.

• Curriculum Transformation in Higher Education – innovating curriculum design and assessment to meet evolving needs, including digital transformation, block teaching and challenge-based learning.
• Education for Sustainable Development – embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering critical environmental literacy, and integrating sustainability into curricula and co-curricular practice.
• Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility – preparing graduates for ethical leadership, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and meaningful community and civic engagement.

Digital Innovation and Pedagogic Transformation

This theme explores how digital practices and emerging technologies can transform learning and teaching in higher education.

• Digital Pedagogies and Digital Learning – advancing flexible curriculum models, learning analytics, and innovative approaches to synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• Digital Equity and Access – addressing the digital divide, ensuring inclusive design, and building digital confidence across staff and students.
• AI and Emerging Technologies in Education – leading critical engagement with generative AI, digital ethics, and the future-proofing of curriculum and assessment.

Contact

Lead: Karl Luke