Workshop 1 Overview
Tracks
Track 1
| Monday, July 6, 2026 |
| 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
| Stephen Riady Centre (SRC) Seminar Rooms 1 & 2 Level 1 |
Details
Aim
The aim of the Talking About Teaching and Learning (TATAL) workshop is to create a trusting, safe, and respectful space for cohorts of reflective practitioners to meet, discuss the pressures and changing nature of academic work, learn from each other, and develop their teaching philosophy.
Focus
The focus of this workshop is to: establish a safe, collaborative environment in which to investigate challenges and successes of teaching and learning; build confidence in articulating and writing about teaching and learning; and begin to articulate a personal teaching philosophy.
Overview
TATAL provides a forum to advance teaching practice through building on past research, engaging with contemporary pedagogies, and fostering collaborations. It increases educators’ resilience and understanding of teaching practice. By sharing their knowledge and collaboratively reflecting, participants contribute to each other’s professional learning and development (Scott et al., 2022). Since its inaugural workshop 12 years ago, TATAL has supported scholarly contributions in reflective teaching and learning (e.g., McCormack et al., 2023; Ruge et al., 2025; Scott et al., 2023). This 15th HERDSA TATAL workshop aligns with HERDSA’s mission to enhance teaching and learning and supports the conference themes: Re-envisioning Higher Education for Tomorrow’s Learners and Professional Learning for Changing Academic Practices.
TATAL welcomes anyone who teaches others (e.g., academics, learning designers) and who seeks time and the support of like-minded others to develop an in-depth awareness of their teaching practice.
Activities.
The TATAL journey begins online, continues through the conference workshop, and extends post-conference via ongoing collaborative sessions.
Pre-conference (from Monday 22 June 2026): participants will complete online modules containing content, discussion, and guided free-writing via the HERDSA TATAL LMS.
Workshop (Monday 6 July 2026, 8:30am–3:30pm): Participants will engage in individual and small group activities, including free writing, reflective conversations, and teaching philosophy construction.
Conference breakfast meeting (Wednesday 8 July 2026): Participants will meet experienced TATALers and form ongoing TATAL groups.
Post-conference: Optional continued reflection and mentoring in TATAL groups.
TATAL offers an opportunity for time-poor academics to devote time towards their own professional growth. Each workshop activity builds on the previous, to support the participants’ reflections and ongoing development.
Speaker
Dr Nicole Reinke
University of The Sunshine Coast, HERDSA Fellow
Talking About Teaching and Learning (TATAL)
Biography
Nicole Reinke
Nicole Reinke is a physiologist based at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. A committed educator and researcher, Nicole has been actively involved in the Talking About Teaching and Learning (TATAL) community since 2019. She is a HERDSA Fellow and holds both Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) and Associate Fellowship (AFHEA – Indigenous Knowledges) with Advance HE.
Nicole’s teaching and research in biomedical science are grounded in principles of empowerment and equity, with a strong emphasis on enhancing student learning experiences. Her work explores the use of innovative learning technologies such as 3D immersive animations, to support engagement and skill development. Her research interests also extend to academic integrity and the evolving role of digital tools in physiology education.
Mr Robert Kennelly
Adjunct
University of Canberra, HERDSA Fellow
Co-presenter
Biography
Robert Kennelly an adjunct at the University of Canberra. He is a pioneer HERDSA Fellow, a HERDSA life member and co-founder with Dr. Coralie McCormack (dec) of TATAL in 2008. Robert continues to support TATAL facilitators and passionate teachers.
Ms Mary-Ann Shuker
Learning And Teaching Designer
Griffith University, HERDSA Fellow
Co-presenter
Biography
Mary-Ann is a HERDSA Fellow and a Senior Fellow of the HEA. Mary-Ann is a Learning and Teaching Designer at Griffith university who delivers high-quality curriculum, pedagogy, and design support aligned with university priorities. Her research interests are student engagement and technology enhanced learning.
Dr Hui Ting Chng
National University of Singapore
Co-presenter
Biography
Hui Ting Chng, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Singapore, registered pharmacist with the Singapore Pharmacy Council and Fellow of the NUS Teaching Academy. She is a dynamic and passionate educator, with the expertise to bridge the teaching of cross-disciplinary pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences, and interdisciplinary arts and sciences. She is adept at using various active and collaborative learning pedagogies such as jigsaw, fishbowl discussions and visual thinking strategies, underpinned by constructivist, motivational learning, and cognitive load theories, to engage students in their learning. Her education research interests are on interprofessional and interdisciplinary education, active and collaborative learning pedagogy, mentorship, motivation in learning and empathy. Her disciplinary research interests are in the areas of pharmacokinetics of drugs used in veterinary medicine and drug information.
Dr Dongmei Li
Senior Lecturer
James Cook University, HERDSA Fellow
Co-presenter
Biography
Dr Dongmei Li is a Senior Lecturer in Academic Pathways at James Cook University, Australia. Mei is a scholar of university teaching and learning. Her scholarship focuses on supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) learners, curriculum internationalisation, and equitable teaching practices in higher education. Mei began her TATAL (Talking About Teaching and Learning) journey in Auckland in 2019 and has been actively engaged in the TATAL community since. She has served as a TATAL Officer since 2023 and is an editor of the biannual TATAL publication, the TATAL Chronicle (ISSN: 3083-2926), alongside Dr Nicole Reinke. Through this work, she contributes to creating collegial spaces where educators can reflect on, share, and advance their teaching practice.
Dr Yoko Mori
Institute of Science Tokyo, HERDSA Fellow
Co-presenter
Biography
Dr Yoko Mori teaches English communication to medical students at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan. Through her work in English education and academic development, she promotes inclusive learning environments where every voice is heard and valued. Her interests include professional identity development, motivation, English-medium instruction, intercultural communication, and internationalisation of higher education.
Dr Ann Parkinson
Senior Lecturer In Physiology
University of The Sunshine Coast, HERDSA Associate Fellow
Co-presenter
Biography
Ann is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Ann has over 28 years’ experience in developing and delivering curriculum in biology and physiology. Recognised with a HEA Senior Fellowship in 2019, Ann’s research areas include academic integrity, generative artificial intelligence and visualisation strategies in biomedical science education. Ann is currently completing her HERDSA Fellowship.
Dr Josephine Pryce
Associate Professor
James Cook University, HERDSA Associate Fellow
Co-presenter
Biography
