Breaking Boundaries: Engaging Students with Clear and Structured Course Design

This summer, Kiran Kaur, a lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Law, was recognised with a NILE Ultra Course Award for her exceptional work on BUS2900: Research, Trends, and Professional Directions, which she developed during the 2023-24 academic year. The NILE Ultra Awards celebrate excellence in course design, recognising modules that demonstrate high standards of structure, accessibility, and student engagement.

Kiran’s success with the 2023-24 module laid the foundation for her work this year when she took on a new module at short notice. She applied the same principles she used in her award-winning course—prioritising structure, clarity, and accessibility—and incorporated innovative tools like Padlet and emojis. These changes have had a powerful impact on student engagement, with the students in this new 2024-25 module providing glowing feedback. One student even described it as “the best module ever on NILE,” noting how easy it was to navigate and access resources.

Innovative Use of Emojis and Padlet for Engagement

A standout feature of Kiran’s teaching approach is her creative use of emojis to enhance course content. “I used emojis to help break up the text and make the material feel a little more fun and approachable for students. It’s a simple touch, but it got great feedback,” Kiran explained. This added a layer of visual clarity that students enjoyed.

In addition, Kiran made extensive use of Padlet, a collaborative tool that students used throughout the module to share ideas and engage with each other. “Padlet really worked to get students engaging with each other. It’s not just a tool for posting comments; it’s a space where students can collaborate in real-time, share their thoughts, and build a sense of belonging,” Kiran noted. Padlet’s role in the module went beyond traditional discussion boards, encouraging real-time collaboration and making students feel more connected despite being in an online environment. This interactivity was a key factor in building student engagement.

Sharing Best Practice and Building Consistency

Kiran plans to share her approach at an upcoming subject staff development day. She is eager to promote consistency across her programme, ensuring that students enjoy a seamless and cohesive learning experience throughout their three years of study. “It’s about fostering a culture where we share what’s working well, so that students benefit across the board,” Kiran explained.

Reflecting on her own experience, she encourages her colleagues to consider nominating themselves or each other for future NILE Ultra Course Awards. She credits her own nomination to a colleague’s encouragement and is now keen to inspire others to recognise the impact of their own teaching practices. “I wouldn’t have even thought to put myself forward if a colleague hadn’t mentioned the award. Now, I want to help others see the value in recognising their own achievements,” Kiran added.

Looking Forward

Kiran continues to apply her proven strategies to her new modules, maintaining her commitment to clear, structured design and student engagement. Her success demonstrates how thoughtful course development, and the use of innovative digital tools can greatly enhance the student experience. “For me, it’s about making sure that the students have the best possible experience. If they’re engaged and able to access the materials easily, they’ll get more out of the course,” she said.

Kiran’s story serves as an inspiration to her colleagues at the University of Northampton, illustrating how collaboration, innovation, and sharing best practices can lead to great results. Congratulations again to Kiran Kaur for her NILE Ultra Course Award, and we look forward to seeing her continued success!

NILE Ultra Course Awards 2025

Keep an eye out in the new year for the 2025 Ultra Courses Awards.