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Queen Mary Academy

Dr Xue Zhou

Reader in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Deputy Director of Education, School of Business and Management. 

Describe some of the scholarship projects you have been a part of throughout your career. 

Over the past decade, I have actively contributed to and led several pedagogical initiatives, including support for international students, adoption of digital technology, cross-cultural integration, peer-led team learning, and AI literacy training. These initiatives have significantly enhanced students' learning experiences. 

AI Literacy Training 
During my tenure as a QM academy member from 2022 to 2024, I spearheaded the "AI Literacy Training" project at QM. This was a pioneering effort during a period lacking clear policies or guidelines on AI usage in higher education. I was driven by a strong conviction that students needed to acquire emerging digital skills, particularly AI. Leading a multidisciplinary team and collaborating with students and AI experts, we launched a series of AI workshops for students and three best practice sessions for staff focused on utilizing AI in teaching and learning, assessment and feedback, and research. 

Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) 
As a member of the QM PLTL advisory group, I led the peer-led team learning initiative within the School of Business and Management to help students develop quantitative analysis skills. This project rapidly expanded from one to three modules within two years, growing from 96 to nearly 200 students, supported by 20 peer leaders. 

Digital Technology Adoption 
I supported staff in adopting digital technology to increase student engagement in the classroom. We explored the challenges staff encountered in adopting these technologies and introduced new policies and training to aid staff in embracing digital technology, transforming disruptive devices like smartphones into valuable educational tools. 

How has the work contributed to your career progression?

Leading these projects has allowed me to adopt innovative teaching methods and contribute positively to student learning outcomes. Additionally, it has enhanced my knowledge in the field of scholarship and expanded my network with colleagues who share similar interests. These efforts have yielded numerous publications and awards. In 2023 and 2024, I received the QM President and Principal's Prize, and in 2023, I was also highly commended with the British Academy of Management Education Practice Award. These achievements contributed to my promotion to Reader in 2023 and helped me secure several prestigious external roles, including Membership Coordinator for the Academy of Management's Management Education and Development Division, judge for the Global Education Award, and Associate Editor for a scholarly journal. 

How would you describe the impact of your scholarship?

I have successfully secured numerous prestigious grants to develop and expand our project, including funding from BAM MKE, ALDinHE, and the QM President and Principal's Fund for Excellence in Education. I am also actively engaged in disseminating the results of our project through over 50 scholarly outputs, including blogs, journal articles, conference presentations, magazines, and books. My work has been published in peer-reviewed venues such as "Research in Learning Technology," "Policy Futures in Education," and the "Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education," as well as the "Journal of Computing in Higher Education." Additionally, I have contributed to popular educational blogs for Times Higher Education, WonkHE, CABS, BERA, BLEMAS, and Advance HE. My conference involvement includes presenting at significant events like the Academy of Management Annual Conference in the USA, the Advance HE Annual Conference, and the LTSE Conference. 

What advice would you give to academics about the importance of scholarship to academic careers? 

For academics, especially those at the beginning of their careers, it’s essential to focus on developing your expertise and crafting a professional identity that makes you recognisable in your field. Establishing what you want to be known for helps to create a coherent narrative for your career and positions you as an expert. 

 

Embrace collaboration as well. Scholarship should not be a solitary field. Working with other academics who share your interests can lead to new insights, enhance the quality of your research, and broaden your professional network. Joint projects not only increase your visibility but also your impact within the academic community. Continuous learning is crucial. Keep abreast of the latest developments in your field and related areas to ensure your teaching methods and content remain fresh and innovative. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn and network. 

Integrate your teaching and research efforts. Use your research to inform your teaching and allow your teaching experiences to provide practical insights that can influence your research. This integration enriches the learning experience for your students and makes your academic work more applied and relevant. Regularly publish your findings in reputable journals and at conferences. Publishing is a critical component of academic success as it establishes your credibility and authority. Beyond traditional publishing, share your knowledge and experiences from your projects more broadly. Engage in blogging, participate in public lectures, or use social media to reach a wider audience. This not only enhances your professional reputation but also opens up more opportunities for collaboration and engagement. 

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