Our L&T Internship Experience: A reflection by the Active Learning Interns
Published: 12 March 2025
A reflection of Abigail Watson and Kristina Kurincova's internship with the Learning & Teaching Strategy and how they assisted in the development of the Active Learning Resources Hub.
Embarking on this internship was an incredible opportunity for us to contribute to an innovative project aimed at enhancing learning and teaching resources. Working alongside Sarah Honeychurch and Vicki Dale from the Academic and Digital Development team, and collaborating with each other as interns, we developed valuable professional skills, gained first-hand experience in academic settings, and witnessed how thoughtful collaboration can make a significant impact on institutional practices. This role has been extremely helpful in building our understanding of academic teaching methods while enhancing our skills in teamwork, communication, and working creatively with others.
As a team, we worked exceptionally well together. We are both master’s students at the university, but our fields of study differ significantly - Abigail’s in Dress and Textile Histories and Kristina’s in Finance and Management. This provided the opportunity to work with someone we otherwise would likely have had no contact with, which, in turn, enhanced our teamwork and creativity as we each brought different perspectives and ideas forward. The collaboration between staff and students was a unique and enriching experience, allowing for an exchange of ideas and knowledge that benefited everyone involved.
The primary objective of this internship was to collect and develop academic case studies for publication in the Learning and Teaching Resource Hub. This involved designing an interview proforma, conducting interviews with academic staff, analysing the information collected, and transforming it into concise, engaging, and practical case studies. These interviews were invaluable in gaining insight into the various teaching methods employed across disciplines and the ways lecturers incorporate active learning strategies into their teaching. By engaging with teaching staff from diverse academic backgrounds, we gained a broader understanding of effective student engagement techniques and the level of thoughtfulness that goes into designing each session. We now find ourselves more attuned to recognising active learning strategies in our own lectures and appreciating their impact.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship was the balance between autonomy and teamwork. While we independently managed much of the workload, working collaboratively with both fellow interns and staff members enriched the entire process. We particularly enjoyed conducting interviews with academic staff, as these conversations provided fascinating insights into innovative teaching practices. Writing the case studies was equally fulfilling—turning raw data into structured, meaningful resources felt like a tangible contribution to the university’s broader educational goals.
Collaboration with the working group and stakeholders was also key to the project’s success. Everyone involved shared a collective vision, which fostered a sense of purpose and motivation. Regular discussions and feedback sessions ensured that our work aligned with the project’s objectives while also providing valuable insights into decision-making in an academic environment. Additionally, being involved with the Academic and Digital Development team gave us a new perspective on an area of the university that many students might not typically consider, yet one that plays a crucial role in shaping our education.
This internship was not just a great use of funding—it was an investment in fostering a culture of continuous improvement in education. By developing these case studies, we contributed tangible resources to inspire educators and enhance teaching strategies across disciplines. Furthermore, undertaking this role has provided us with a greater understanding of creative ways to facilitate learning—something that will be particularly beneficial for our respective aspirations of working within museums and the public sector.
The flexibility of this Learning and Teaching Strategy internship was another valuable aspect, especially while balancing coursework during the semester. It allowed us to develop confidence in speaking with others, adapting to new situations, and refining our ability to engage meaningfully with different stakeholders. The support and guidance from Sarah and Vicki throughout the project was invaluable, and we have learned so much from their expertise and mentorship.
For anyone considering a Learning and Teaching Strategy internship, we strongly encourage taking the leap. It provides an opportunity to better understand the inner workings of the university, collaborate with students and staff, and gain valuable professional experience. Be proactive, research thoroughly, tailor your applications, and highlight transferable skills like communication and teamwork. Internships offer a chance to learn, grow, and explore career paths. This experience has not only enhanced our professional and academic skills but has also given us the satisfaction of knowing our work could have a lasting impact on education. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend it to others looking to expand their skills and experiences.
Interns’ background:
Abigail Watson is a Dress and Textile Histories master’s student at the University of Glasgow. She was drawn to this internship as she saw a link between better understanding active learning techniques within the university, and that of what she hopes to go on to do. Aiming to work either within an academic setting or museum curation, undertaking this internship has enhanced a number of skills, and provided an understanding of creative teaching practices which could be put into play either in the academic or museum settings. This was Abigail’s first experience working with the Learning and Teaching Strategy internships, having previously worked on two historical research internships within the university. Undertaking this role has been hugely enjoyable and beneficial, developing a number of professional skills, including teamwork, adaptability and interpersonal skills.
Kristina Kurincova is a master’s student in Finance and Management at the University of Glasgow. She joined this internship because of her keen interest in the intersection of academic practice and organizational development, with a particular focus on improving teaching methods to enhance learning experiences. Before this internship, Kristina participated in several Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) internships, which deepened her passion for educational innovation. These experiences allowed her to grow professionally while working alongside talented teams and making meaningful contributions to education. Kristina saw this internship as the perfect opportunity to continue building on these interests and has thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the experience.
First published: 12 March 2025
