Background and Mission

The Economics Network of the Higher Education Academy is one of 24 subject networks that promote high quality learning and teaching through the development and transfer of good practices. The Higher Education Academy brings together three initiatives, the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN), the Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE) and the TQEF National Co-ordination Team (NCT).

Planning documents

Mission

The Economics Network of the Higher Education Academy aims to enhance the quality of learning and teaching throughout the higher education economics community.

Strategic aims

EN1 Identify, develop and disseminate evidence-informed approaches to the teaching and learning of economics

To undertake and commission original research into economics education
To publish international research into economics education
To gather, synthesise and make available relevant evidence
To promote the use of evidence-informed approaches
To offer opportunities for students to input their experiences and understanding of economics
To fund and support small-scale departmental innovation
To support nationally funded learning and teaching projects and ensure that their outputs are shared throughout the economics community

EN2 Broker and encourage the sharing and implementation of effective practice and innovation appropriate to the HE economics community

To develop and promote networks of practitioners
To showcase examples of good and innovative practice in economics
To provide a comprehensive learning and teaching resource base for academic economists
To support lecturers in developing students’ study and key skills
To provide key contacts and other interested parties with regular updates on Network activities and learning and teaching related developments, and opportunities for discussion
To run a programme of departmental, regional and national staff development events, including support for new lecturers and graduate teaching assistants
To interpret and disseminate practice from other subjects appropriate to economics

EN3 Support individual staff, departments and institutions in initiating and responding to change

See EN2
To work with key contacts and regional network coordinators to identify and respond to strategic change
To discuss with departments their changing needs and provide support where appropriate

EN4 Inform, influence and interpret policy of relevance to the economics subject community

To investigate and address the issues and challenges specific to the economics community and help the community in engaging with national policy initiatives
To investigate and address the needs of specialist areas within economics
To participate with other parts of the Higher Education Academy in driving and responding to the evolving national HE policy agenda
To consult with professional and academic bodies within the economics community and to provide them with expert advice and guidance on learning and teaching issues in economics
To promote the economics discipline, from encouraging the study of economics to the employment of economics graduates

EN5 Celebrate and raise the status of teaching in economics

To operate an annual awards scheme to reward individual excellence in learning and teaching
To operate a network of associates who champion teaching and contribute to the work of the network
To work with professional and academic bodies in economics to advance the status of teaching
To explore and offer advice on the synergies between teaching and research in economics

EN6 To operate a dynamic, highly participatory working environment that supports effective management, delivery and monitoring

To be shaped and guided in our remit and activities by the economics community and other stakeholders
To reflect critically on our own practices in order to ensure that they meet the needs of the economics community
To involve staff fully in the planning and development of their own roles and the strategies and practices of the Network