The Minister led a discussion with student teachers and key figures such the Dean of The Faculty for Education, Health and Social Care Joyce Goodman, Senior Lecturer in Education Jonathan Rooke and the Vice-Chancellor Professor Joy Carter.
Among a wide variety of topics, they discussed the use of phonics in teaching, desk formation and how the university, known for its teacher training, works with local schools.
Speaking afterwards, Steve Brine said: "I was glad that the Minister was able to visit today and have such a lively discussion. I know that often as a politician you can feel you are talking at people, but there was real engagement there, particularly with the students, and I know that Professor Carter was very keen to push to him the targets the University is working towards."
Pictured; Steve joins Deputy Vice-Chancellor Tommy Geddes, Minister for Schools Nick Gibb and Professor Joy Carter