Alexandra Mihai
@anda19.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Innovation in HE at Maastricht University. Educational developer at heart, passionate about helping faculty to thrive. Join the Educationalist community: http://educationalist.substack.com.
Pinned
Alexandra Mihai
@anda19.bsky.social
· Feb 4
Understanding the complexity of centers for teaching and learning: introducing a four-dimensional model
link.springer.com
So happy to finally see this paper out in the world!
I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations with many enthusiastic CTL Directors in the US and I hope our model can help untangle the complex position CTLs are in, especially in this stormy HE landscape.
💡 link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations with many enthusiastic CTL Directors in the US and I hope our model can help untangle the complex position CTLs are in, especially in this stormy HE landscape.
💡 link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007...
When autumn subltly sneaks in...
August 31, 2026 at 9:14 PM
When autumn subltly sneaks in...
A basil leaf.
Usually tossed mindlessly on our pasta.
But a basil leaf can also be art.
Printing with it this morning was a joy for the senses.
Seeing all the tiny details reveal themselves.
Indulging in the strong fragrance released by pressing.
Perfect mindful way to start the weekend.😊
Usually tossed mindlessly on our pasta.
But a basil leaf can also be art.
Printing with it this morning was a joy for the senses.
Seeing all the tiny details reveal themselves.
Indulging in the strong fragrance released by pressing.
Perfect mindful way to start the weekend.😊
August 22, 2026 at 9:57 AM
A basil leaf.
Usually tossed mindlessly on our pasta.
But a basil leaf can also be art.
Printing with it this morning was a joy for the senses.
Seeing all the tiny details reveal themselves.
Indulging in the strong fragrance released by pressing.
Perfect mindful way to start the weekend.😊
Usually tossed mindlessly on our pasta.
But a basil leaf can also be art.
Printing with it this morning was a joy for the senses.
Seeing all the tiny details reveal themselves.
Indulging in the strong fragrance released by pressing.
Perfect mindful way to start the weekend.😊
We are never just one thing.
Recently I put some time & intention in developing my creative self. It all revolves around my love of nature as a guide to deepen attention. I use various media such as photography, cyanotype, monoprinting, ikebana & pottery.
educationalist.substack.com/p/i-contain-...
Recently I put some time & intention in developing my creative self. It all revolves around my love of nature as a guide to deepen attention. I use various media such as photography, cyanotype, monoprinting, ikebana & pottery.
educationalist.substack.com/p/i-contain-...
"I contain multitudes"
The Educationalist. By Alexandra Mihai
educationalist.substack.com
August 19, 2026 at 1:31 PM
We are never just one thing.
Recently I put some time & intention in developing my creative self. It all revolves around my love of nature as a guide to deepen attention. I use various media such as photography, cyanotype, monoprinting, ikebana & pottery.
educationalist.substack.com/p/i-contain-...
Recently I put some time & intention in developing my creative self. It all revolves around my love of nature as a guide to deepen attention. I use various media such as photography, cyanotype, monoprinting, ikebana & pottery.
educationalist.substack.com/p/i-contain-...
Are existing models for recognising & rewarding teaching excellence in HE really working?
In my latest newsletter I explore their limitations and share some ideas on how to improve them in the future. Read more here: educationalist.substack.com/p/teaching-m...
In my latest newsletter I explore their limitations and share some ideas on how to improve them in the future. Read more here: educationalist.substack.com/p/teaching-m...
Teaching matters. Let's show it!
The Educationalist. By Alexandra Mihai
educationalist.substack.com
July 9, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Are existing models for recognising & rewarding teaching excellence in HE really working?
In my latest newsletter I explore their limitations and share some ideas on how to improve them in the future. Read more here: educationalist.substack.com/p/teaching-m...
In my latest newsletter I explore their limitations and share some ideas on how to improve them in the future. Read more here: educationalist.substack.com/p/teaching-m...
We need to reflect before deciding to use or to ban technology from the classroom.
If we want to support students in developing certain skills, we need to do it intentionally, through course and task design, not by conditioning their classroom experience.
educationalist.substack.com/p/to-switch-...
If we want to support students in developing certain skills, we need to do it intentionally, through course and task design, not by conditioning their classroom experience.
educationalist.substack.com/p/to-switch-...
To switch on, or to switch off, that is the question
The Educationalist. By Alexandra Mihai
educationalist.substack.com
April 24, 2026 at 9:50 PM
We need to reflect before deciding to use or to ban technology from the classroom.
If we want to support students in developing certain skills, we need to do it intentionally, through course and task design, not by conditioning their classroom experience.
educationalist.substack.com/p/to-switch-...
If we want to support students in developing certain skills, we need to do it intentionally, through course and task design, not by conditioning their classroom experience.
educationalist.substack.com/p/to-switch-...
Patience is imposing our own rhythm over the rhythm of the world, not by ignoring it but by taming it with discipline and purpose.
Read more on how to help students cultivate patience & perseverance in my latest newsletter: educationalist.substack.com/p/keep-calm-...
Read more on how to help students cultivate patience & perseverance in my latest newsletter: educationalist.substack.com/p/keep-calm-...
Keep calm & carry on: Patience and perseverance in learning
The Educationalist. By Alexandra Mihai
educationalist.substack.com
March 17, 2026 at 8:18 AM
Patience is imposing our own rhythm over the rhythm of the world, not by ignoring it but by taming it with discipline and purpose.
Read more on how to help students cultivate patience & perseverance in my latest newsletter: educationalist.substack.com/p/keep-calm-...
Read more on how to help students cultivate patience & perseverance in my latest newsletter: educationalist.substack.com/p/keep-calm-...
Today I tried botanical monoprinting for the first time. It's a lovely way to combine my love of nature with my journey to find new ways of creative expression. Looking forward to learning & experimenting with this new medium!
March 14, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Today I tried botanical monoprinting for the first time. It's a lovely way to combine my love of nature with my journey to find new ways of creative expression. Looking forward to learning & experimenting with this new medium!
The city noise fades away
The inner noise turns
into silence
Bit by bit
The world grows calmer
smaller
Like wrapped in cotton wool
Shades of white
melt
Into the horizon
Infinite
Yet confined
To what is
now.
The inner noise turns
into silence
Bit by bit
The world grows calmer
smaller
Like wrapped in cotton wool
Shades of white
melt
Into the horizon
Infinite
Yet confined
To what is
now.
February 18, 2026 at 2:54 PM
The city noise fades away
The inner noise turns
into silence
Bit by bit
The world grows calmer
smaller
Like wrapped in cotton wool
Shades of white
melt
Into the horizon
Infinite
Yet confined
To what is
now.
The inner noise turns
into silence
Bit by bit
The world grows calmer
smaller
Like wrapped in cotton wool
Shades of white
melt
Into the horizon
Infinite
Yet confined
To what is
now.
"There is not one day that clearly marks when winter ends and spring begins. Spring hides inside winter. We notice it emerging with our eyes, our skin and other senses. We find it in new buds or the warmth of the sun. It exists alongside winter."
***
"Tales from the cafe", by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
***
"Tales from the cafe", by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
February 15, 2026 at 2:31 PM
"There is not one day that clearly marks when winter ends and spring begins. Spring hides inside winter. We notice it emerging with our eyes, our skin and other senses. We find it in new buds or the warmth of the sun. It exists alongside winter."
***
"Tales from the cafe", by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
***
"Tales from the cafe", by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Life is so fast paced, full of distractions & requests for immediate input.
Should our classrooms also look & feel like that? Does this help learning?
What if we could take back control & set our own rhythm?
This is an act of resistance. Are we up for it?
educationalist.substack.com/p/slow-learn...
Should our classrooms also look & feel like that? Does this help learning?
What if we could take back control & set our own rhythm?
This is an act of resistance. Are we up for it?
educationalist.substack.com/p/slow-learn...
Slow learning
"The Educationalist", by Alexandra Mihai
educationalist.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Life is so fast paced, full of distractions & requests for immediate input.
Should our classrooms also look & feel like that? Does this help learning?
What if we could take back control & set our own rhythm?
This is an act of resistance. Are we up for it?
educationalist.substack.com/p/slow-learn...
Should our classrooms also look & feel like that? Does this help learning?
What if we could take back control & set our own rhythm?
This is an act of resistance. Are we up for it?
educationalist.substack.com/p/slow-learn...
Today I experimented with wet cyanotypes. It was so cool to see that just by using some things you have in your kitchen (vinegar, lemon, coffee, turmeric) you can bring colour & texture. This opens so much creative space! 💙💛🤎
February 8, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Today I experimented with wet cyanotypes. It was so cool to see that just by using some things you have in your kitchen (vinegar, lemon, coffee, turmeric) you can bring colour & texture. This opens so much creative space! 💙💛🤎
Merging waters
(The Duoro meets the Atlantic)
The ocean
embracing the river
Hungry for it;
Absorbing its softness
with untamed power.
The river
forever flowing
Towards the ocean;
Nor fearing it will be lost
but longing to be bigger
Different.
(The Duoro meets the Atlantic)
The ocean
embracing the river
Hungry for it;
Absorbing its softness
with untamed power.
The river
forever flowing
Towards the ocean;
Nor fearing it will be lost
but longing to be bigger
Different.
January 16, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Merging waters
(The Duoro meets the Atlantic)
The ocean
embracing the river
Hungry for it;
Absorbing its softness
with untamed power.
The river
forever flowing
Towards the ocean;
Nor fearing it will be lost
but longing to be bigger
Different.
(The Duoro meets the Atlantic)
The ocean
embracing the river
Hungry for it;
Absorbing its softness
with untamed power.
The river
forever flowing
Towards the ocean;
Nor fearing it will be lost
but longing to be bigger
Different.
Time flies when you have fun- and important conversations!- with inspiring colleagues!
Thanks a million @dresdeb.bsky.social @niyamirandabond.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social and everyone who joined us!
Thanks a million @dresdeb.bsky.social @niyamirandabond.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social and everyone who joined us!
Well that was the fastest, most frantic (in a good way) hour of my life! A pleasure and a privilege to share the virtual stage with @anda19.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social and @niyamirandabond.bsky.social to discuss the many facets of asynchronous learning ☺️
January 15, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Time flies when you have fun- and important conversations!- with inspiring colleagues!
Thanks a million @dresdeb.bsky.social @niyamirandabond.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social and everyone who joined us!
Thanks a million @dresdeb.bsky.social @niyamirandabond.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social and everyone who joined us!
Hello, beautiful Porto!
January 14, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Hello, beautiful Porto!
"Loneliness and snow became the same thing in her mind, lighter than air, made of nothing; only upon tackling the stuff did you realise it had piled to heavy to yield."
❄️
"The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny", by Kiran Desai
❄️
"The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny", by Kiran Desai
January 11, 2026 at 12:01 PM
"Loneliness and snow became the same thing in her mind, lighter than air, made of nothing; only upon tackling the stuff did you realise it had piled to heavy to yield."
❄️
"The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny", by Kiran Desai
❄️
"The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny", by Kiran Desai
Reposted by Alexandra Mihai
Interested in asynchronous learning? Want to find out more about how the people who design and teach it strive to make it meaningful for both educator and learner? Join @anda19.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social @niyamirandabond.bsky.social and I on Thurs 15 Jan, 1–2pm (UK). Link in Lawrie's post!
this looks like a really good webinar around the intentional application of using asynchronous learning - with
@dresdeb.bsky.social
www.london.ac.uk/centre-onlin...
#Pedagogy
@dresdeb.bsky.social
www.london.ac.uk/centre-onlin...
#Pedagogy
The power of Asynchronous learning
www.london.ac.uk
January 9, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Interested in asynchronous learning? Want to find out more about how the people who design and teach it strive to make it meaningful for both educator and learner? Join @anda19.bsky.social @flowerdarby.bsky.social @niyamirandabond.bsky.social and I on Thurs 15 Jan, 1–2pm (UK). Link in Lawrie's post!
Winter magic ❄️❄️❄️
Seeing my hometown Brașov dressed in a fresh white blanket is such a delight.
Seeing my hometown Brașov dressed in a fresh white blanket is such a delight.
January 9, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Winter magic ❄️❄️❄️
Seeing my hometown Brașov dressed in a fresh white blanket is such a delight.
Seeing my hometown Brașov dressed in a fresh white blanket is such a delight.
Today's snowfall was a real throwback to my childhood. Waking up to the sight of a white blanket and falling snow. Feeling & hearing the fresh snow under my feet. This, for me, is magic.
January 3, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Today's snowfall was a real throwback to my childhood. Waking up to the sight of a white blanket and falling snow. Feeling & hearing the fresh snow under my feet. This, for me, is magic.
In 2025 I was lucky to spend time in some amazing places:
Hiking & enjoying la dolce vita in Italy;
Soaking up the sun in Malta in spring & in France in summer;
Exploring London on my annual visit;
Eating my way around South Korea on a food tour in the best autumn weather.
Bring it on, 2026!
Hiking & enjoying la dolce vita in Italy;
Soaking up the sun in Malta in spring & in France in summer;
Exploring London on my annual visit;
Eating my way around South Korea on a food tour in the best autumn weather.
Bring it on, 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 3:35 PM
In 2025 I was lucky to spend time in some amazing places:
Hiking & enjoying la dolce vita in Italy;
Soaking up the sun in Malta in spring & in France in summer;
Exploring London on my annual visit;
Eating my way around South Korea on a food tour in the best autumn weather.
Bring it on, 2026!
Hiking & enjoying la dolce vita in Italy;
Soaking up the sun in Malta in spring & in France in summer;
Exploring London on my annual visit;
Eating my way around South Korea on a food tour in the best autumn weather.
Bring it on, 2026!
Learning does not *only* happen in the classroom. I chatted with @niyamirandabond.bsky.social about how we can scaffold & support students' learning before (and after) class. Watch our chat to get some inspiration from this free @onehe.bsky.social resource: onehe.org/resources/wh...
What is a flipped classroom? – OneHE
onehe.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Learning does not *only* happen in the classroom. I chatted with @niyamirandabond.bsky.social about how we can scaffold & support students' learning before (and after) class. Watch our chat to get some inspiration from this free @onehe.bsky.social resource: onehe.org/resources/wh...
I belive education is about *people*.
In my latest newsletter I argue that we should be intentional in nurturing human interaction in education and resist the false promise of convenience exerted by the sadly ubiquitous GenAI.
educationalist.substack.com/p/hello-worl...
In my latest newsletter I argue that we should be intentional in nurturing human interaction in education and resist the false promise of convenience exerted by the sadly ubiquitous GenAI.
educationalist.substack.com/p/hello-worl...
"Hello, World!"... revisited
The Educationalist. By Alexandra Mihai
educationalist.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:53 PM
I belive education is about *people*.
In my latest newsletter I argue that we should be intentional in nurturing human interaction in education and resist the false promise of convenience exerted by the sadly ubiquitous GenAI.
educationalist.substack.com/p/hello-worl...
In my latest newsletter I argue that we should be intentional in nurturing human interaction in education and resist the false promise of convenience exerted by the sadly ubiquitous GenAI.
educationalist.substack.com/p/hello-worl...
"Survival often depends on a specific focus: A relationship, a belief, or a hope balanced on the edge of possibility. Or something more ephemeral: the way the sun passes through the hard seemingly impenetrable glass of a window."
***
Elisabeth Tova Bailey, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
***
Elisabeth Tova Bailey, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
November 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
"Survival often depends on a specific focus: A relationship, a belief, or a hope balanced on the edge of possibility. Or something more ephemeral: the way the sun passes through the hard seemingly impenetrable glass of a window."
***
Elisabeth Tova Bailey, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
***
Elisabeth Tova Bailey, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
"It is a serious thing
Just to be alive
On this fresh morning
In this broken world."
***
Mary Oliver, "Invitation"
Just to be alive
On this fresh morning
In this broken world."
***
Mary Oliver, "Invitation"
November 27, 2025 at 8:41 AM
"It is a serious thing
Just to be alive
On this fresh morning
In this broken world."
***
Mary Oliver, "Invitation"
Just to be alive
On this fresh morning
In this broken world."
***
Mary Oliver, "Invitation"