Shut up and write HERG

Shut up and Write HERG! A year-long peer support writing project (2016-17).

The ‘Shut up and write HERG’ project provided peer support for individual writing projects. We encouraged participants to use various techniques to increase their productivity, including group accountability, snack writing (following Rowena Murray), social wiring (including on social media, such as ‘Shut up and write Tuesdays‘).

Our aims were to:

  • Support academics writing on HERG-type topics and/or who had education-focused contracts to become more productive and more confident authors
  • Support academics to incorporate regular and productive writing into their working week
  • Facilitate a network of such authors to create a supportive academic environment

The project was organised by HERG. The organising committee was Sarah Dyer (University of Exeter), Sharon Leahy (University of St Andrew’s), Susan Henderson (University of the West of Scotland), and David Simm (Bath Spa). The project had a small amount of funding from the Higher Education Academy.

Writing Retreat
4th – 6th January 2017

This writing retreat was an opportunity for concentrated writing time in beautiful surroundings. The retreat provided structured time for writing as well as regular breaks to support  productivity. There was a chance to enjoy the beautiful setting and to share ideas and writing challenges with other Geographers.

We followed a model of writing retreat championed by Rowena Murray, read more. As well as structured time for writing and the support of the group the model had a ‘wellbeing’ approach so there will be time to explore Dartington’s beautiful gardens and grounds.

RGS New to Teaching workshop
13 and 14 October 2016

A two-day workshop for those New to Teaching in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES). Building on the event model from the former GEES Subject Centre, this updated workshop offered networking opportunities, pedagogical practice and ideas for teaching, and subject-specific advice from experts across the disciplines.