Learning Innovation

Are you interested in learning innovation, using digital tools to enhance learning, transition through educational stages, networking or kindness? If so, I’d love to hear from you.I work for Kaplan International Pathways. We prepare international students for success at UK universities. I am the Senior Director of Innovative Student Learning.I head up the Centre for Learning Innovation and Quality (CLIQ), a team of educational experts providing leadership and support in Kaplan International Pathways in learning innovation, academic development, quality assurance, and partnership development. Evidence-based, we work closely with staff in ten colleges in the UK. Pathways is part of Kaplan Inc., a global diverse education business.

My doctoral studies at The University of Nottingham explored the experiences of young people on programmes to prepare them for work, and who were transitioning between school and further education. I’m really interested in how adults learn and how individuals and institutions can best support learners to reach their potential.Recent work has involved greater use of active learning approaches and helping students apply their learning. I am also keen on ensuring students build and make use of their networks for future career success.I am working closely with the Kindness Factory to bring the Kindness Curriculum to schools and universities in the UK, and this work was a winner of a Kindness in Education Award in 2023.I am also working with newly qualified professionals, supporting Mary's Place CIC.And I am now a Kindness Ambassador.

Spotlight on...

I'm on Episode 10 of Series 2 of the L&T Chatshow with Roger Saunders talking about Applied Learning – here's the link and this is how they described our chat:"Victoria and I talk about ways in which learning can be made more relevant by applying classroom learning using applied learning weeks, where students can work together in multi-disciplinary groups working on a given brief."

Scholarship

I've recently had the chance to share my thoughts here:

Chapter in (Eds.) (2024) Garnham, W. and Walker, N. Supporting the Student Journey into Higher Education: How Pre-arrival platform can enhance widening participation. 7 How can pre-arrival platforms prepare students to engage with careers offerings through their degree? Routledge
Chapter in (Eds.). (2023) Loer Hansen, S. and Daniels, K. (2023) Enabling the Employability of University Graduates. 25 Meeting the employability expectations of international students in transition to higher education in the UK (with Linda Cowan). https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/how-to-enable-the-employability-of-university-graduates-9781803926506.html
Chapter in Betts, T. and Oprandi, P. (Eds.). (2022). 100 ideas for active learning. ALN and University of Sussex Library. https://doi.org/10.20919/OPXR1032 2b: International Pathways students: Applied Learning Weeks build networks https://openpress.sussex.ac.uk/ideasforactivelearning/chapter/international-pathways-students-applied-learning-weeks-build-networks/
Wilson-Crane, V. and Ronney, E. (2022) Career-Focused International Pathways Students Preparing for a Successful Future. Advance HE Teaching and Learning Conference 2022: Teaching in the spotlight: Where next for enhancing student success? 5-7 July 2022, Northumbria University, Newcastle.
Wilson-Crane, V. and Ronney, E. (2022) Promoting Positive Pedagogy Through Kindness Curriculum Innovations. RIDE 2022 Accelerating Innovation: People, Pedagogy and Practice 2022. 15-17 June, London.
Wilson-Crane, V. and Kwan, S. (2022) Promoting Positive Pre-Arrival for Pathways. InForm Journal Issue 21: Student Support and Experience: In and Outside the Classroom. pp 30-31 link
Dale, D. and Wilson-Crane, V. (2022) International Pathways Students as Members of Professional Networking Organisations. Advance HE Case Study Series following 2021 Employability Symposium incl. blog post.
Wilson-Crane, V. (2022) Pathways Preview Promotes Successful Retention of International Students in a Pandemic. Advance HE Student Retention and Success Symposium 2022. 9 February, Leeds.
Wilson-Crane, V. (2021) Your Path, Your Way to Successful Networking: Building Strong Connections for Your Future Career. Learn the New Way to Grow Your Business and Gain more Customers, by Writing a Book. Leicester Business Festival Conference. 15 November, online.
Wilson-Crane. V. (2021) International Student Professional Networking for Employability. Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Nottingham Trent University. 14-16 September, online.
Wilson-Crane, V. and Kwan, S. (2021) Promoting Positive Pre-Arrival for Pathways. InForm Conference, Support and Experience: In and Outside the Classroom. 9 July, University of Kent, online.
Wilson-Crane, V. and Dale, D. (2021) International Student Professional Networking for Career Readiness. SOLSTICE & CLT Conference 2021, Edge Hill University. 2-3 June, online.
Wilson-Crane, V. (2021) Pathways Preview Programme Promotes Positive Student Engagement. Asynchronous session at Advance HE Leading Student Engagement in Time of Crisis and Transformation: Student Engagement Conference 2021. 26 May, online.
Wilson-Crane, V. and Dale, D. (2021) Developing Networks at All Stages of the International Student’s Journey. Advance HE Employability Symposium 2021: 3Es for Wicked Problems. 22 April, online.
Wilson-Crane, V. (2021) You are your Resume, Personal Branding 2.0 (discussion panellist). Virtual Global Ed Interaction Conference. 20 April, online.
Wilson-Crane, V. (2021) Pre-course Preview Promotes Pathways Programme Promises. SEDA Transitions Special Interest Group. 10 March, online.

Professional Development

I am passionate about my own professional development. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Senior Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA). I am a Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology (ALT) have begun assessing the work of other candidates. I participate in ALT Assembly activities.

Let's Collaborate

Contact Me

I’d love to hear from you if you can think of ways we could collaborate on learning research.