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Higher education pedagogy

Learn more about pedagogy and how different theories of teaching and learning work across higher education. Here, academics offer insights into a variety of pedagogies, drawing on their own teaching experience alongside research, to provide practical advice on what instructional methods work best for different university contexts, disciplines and classes.

Text and computer code. We should stop fetishizing high-tech teaching and realise that reading is an optimal means of learning

The joy of text in a world of tech zealotry

Why do we fetishise high-tech teaching while denigrating reading as a second-rate learning style? asks Andy Farnell

Andy Farnell

Campus

Designing teaching activities which trigger an emotional response making key lessons easier to remember

How to design unforgettable class activities that help students learn better

These teaching techniques are designed to pique students’ emotions and lodge key lessons more firmly in their memories

Jonathan Sim

National University of Singapore

Proactive steps educators should take to better engage students in online learning

It’s not you, it’s me: taking responsibility for student engagement and interaction

Maia Forrester and Ian Lee share lessons in boosting student engagement and interaction when teaching online, based on their experience training medical educators

Maia Forrester, Ian Lee

The University of Edinburgh

Self directed learning is effective among Chinese students coming from a different educational and cultural context, research shows

Supporting self-directed learning across cultural boundaries

Academics from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University draw on their research showing the Western teaching model based on ‘self-directed learning’ is effective among Chinese students coming from different educational and cultural contexts

Qian Wang , Chang Xiong, Jiajun Liu

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

A diverse group of students requires a diverse range of learning opportunities, an approach that is championed by universal design for learning

Flexibility is key if we want students to connect with their studies

Universal design for learning not only embraces diversity, it also uses it as the basis for providing choice in how students learn – and succeed, says Lillian Nave

Lillian Nave

Appalachian State University

Advice on fostering collaboration among students more used to competing

How to foster collaboration among students trained to compete

Collaboration is a vital life skill but can be challenging after an education infused with competition at every step. Jie Zhang, Qing Ye and Steven Bateman explain how they overcome this when setting group work

Jie Zhang, Qing Ye, Steven Bateman

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Advice on using coaching to guide students to find their own solutions

The answer is not always the solution: using coaching in higher education

May Lim explains why academics should refrain from always giving students immediate answers and instead apply coaching techniques that guide learners to problem-solve and reach their own conclusions

May Lim

Singapore Institute of Technology

Advice on preparing students so they get the most out of the flipped classroom model

How to induct students into the flipped-classroom model

Jonathan Sim explains how he has designed learning activities to ensure students complete the preparation work necessary to get the most out of the flipped-classroom model

Jonathan Sim

National University of Singapore

Too many devices. Should we be training lecturers to deal with shortened attention spans?

Should lecturers be trained to deal with shortening attention spans?

Would my life be easier if I had received explicit guidance in how to deliver content in TikTok-length pieces? asks Katie Davis

Katie Davis

University of Washington

Providing useful feedback on online assignments and continuity in course design and delivery

Online teaching insights, part five: Online feedback and continuity

Insights and lessons on effective tools and techniques to improve online teaching, put together by faculty spanning dozens of disciplines at the American University in Cairo

Hoda Mostafa, Maha Bali

American University in Cairo

Examples of online activities and tools that encourage collaborative learning

Engaging students in collaborative learning tasks online

Diana Laurillard presents ideas and tools for students to create their own digital products as part of a collaborative learning task

Diana Laurillard

UCL

Faculty insights and advice on recording lectures and online course management

Online teaching insights, part four: Course management and recording lectures

Insights and lessons on effective tools and techniques to improve online teaching put together by faculty spanning dozens of disciplines at the American University in Cairo

Hoda Mostafa, Maha Bali

American University in Cairo

Balancing compassion with high expectations for better learning outcomes

Expectation and compassion: two sides of the coin for successful learning outcomes

Celia Ann Evans explains how instructors can balance compassion with high expectations to guide students to better learning gains

Celia Ann Evans

Cornell University

Advice on digital methods of formative assessment which aid deep learning

Digital methods of formative assessment that boost learning

Diana Laurillard presents strategies for effective formative assessment when teaching online

Diana Laurillard

UCL

Advice on managing workloads and stress among students and faculty

Online teaching insights, part three: managing workload issues and stress

Insights and lessons on effective tools and techniques to improve online teaching put together by faculty spanning dozens of disciplines at the American University in Cairo

Hoda Mostafa, Maha Bali

American University in Cairo

How to use a free online learning design tool which applies the Conversational Framework to build courses

Applying the Conversational Framework using an online learning design tool

Diana Laurillard talks through how to use a free online learning design tool which applies the Conversational Framework to build courses using the six key learning types

Diana Laurillard

UCL

Insights on tools and techniques to improve online teaching from dozens of faculty at the American University in Cairo

Online teaching insights, part two: participation and breakout rooms

Insights and lessons on effective tools and techniques to improve online teaching put together by faculty spanning dozens of disciplines at the American University in Cairo

Hoda Mostafa, Maha Bali

American University in Cairo

Insights on tools and techniques to improve online teaching from dozens of faculty at the American University in Cairo

Online teaching insights, part one: social connection and listening

Insights and lessons on effective tools and techniques to improve online teaching, put together by faculty spanning dozens of disciplines at the American University in Cairo

Hoda Mostafa, Maha Bali

American University in Cairo

Difficult and emotional course content is easier to digest through non-linear, asynchronous delivery

Online micro-learning can transform the teaching of sensitive topics

Non-linear course design means that emotive and uncomfortable content can be paused or skipped and returned to another time, says Gemma Ahearne

Gemma Ahearne

University of Liverpool

Maintain a level of consistency throughout an online course to aid student learning

Fostering module consistency to aid learning

Maurice Kinsella and John Wyatt explain how to keep a level of consistency throughout course modules that helps students achieve the desired learning outcomes

Maurice Kinsella, John Wyatt, Niamh Nestor

University College Dublin

Sharing knowledge and becoming 'intellectually dependable' are intertwined and should be placed at the forefront of education

Teaching students to think for themselves is not enough

The critical thinking ideal is too individualistic and self-focused − students must learn to help others think well, too, says T. Ryan Byerly

T. Ryan Byerly

University of Sheffield

How to use visual media to spark inquiry based learning online

How to use visual media to spur inquiry-based learning online

Nataša Lacković talks through an image-based concept inquiry cycle she has developed to use visual media as a learning tool online

Nataša Lacković

Lancaster University

Advice on applying an effective design philosophy for online courses

Clarity,  consistency, cohesion and care: the four Cs as a design philosophy for online learning

Andy Wright describes how a focus on clarity, consistency, cohesion and care results in better online learning design

Andy Wright

Cambridge Education Group

An explanation of how student coaching circles can help improve course learning outcomes

Using coaching circles to beat isolation and spur reflexive work

Glen Cousquer explains how coaching circles run by students with their peers can help beat feelings of isolation and guide students to overcome personal or course-related challenges

Glen Cousquer

The University of Edinburgh

Advice to develop student-centred online teaching

A blueprint for an engaging and student-centred online degree  that works 

Sue Brown and Karalee Dwyer explain how to approach online education to ensure it is not just an adaptation from face-to-face delivery but purpose-built for better learning outcomes

Sue Brown , Karalee Dwyer

Federation University Australia

How to facilitate active, collaborative, authentic learning online

Active, collaborative, authentic: the evolution of teaching post-Covid

How to facilitate active, collaborative and authentic learning experiences by using digital tools to enhance teaching now and post-Covid-19

Michael Sankey

Griffith University

Advice on ensuring the human side of teaching is not lost in the move to online education

Leading with humanity in your online classroom: Tips beyond tech

How to ensure the human side of teaching is not lost and that pedagogical practices promoting care drive decisions when instructing online, from research by Mary Candace Raygoza, Aaminah Norris and Raina León

Mary Candace Raygoza, Aaminah Norris , Raina León

Saint Mary’s College of California

Podcast discussing building resilience and protecting well-being among university staff and students

THE podcast: making the case for better faculty training

How should the role of academics evolve to ensure students receive the high quality teaching they deserve?

Brian Schmidt, Alexandra Mihai

Australian National University, UCL

Using visual media to activate student learning

Using visual media to enhance online learning

Nataša Lacković presents a pedagogical approach to using visual media to activate student learning, rather than simply decorating course content

Nataša Lacković

Lancaster University

How academics can foster digital skills in their students and themselves for better online learning outcomes

Bringing teaching and digital together: skills needed to teach online

Sean Morris talks about how academics can foster digital skills in their students and themselves for better online learning outcomes

Sean Morris

University of Colorado Denver

Advice on getting the most out of asynchronous discussions when teaching online

Asynchronous discussions – how and why

Asynchronous discussions facilitate deeper reflection and critical thinking about course content. Paul Moss explains how to ensure such online discussions benefit all students on their learning journey

Paul Moss

Adelaide University

Developing students academic writing skills

Improving academic writing skills to boost student confidence and resilience

Academic writing skills are fundamental to most university courses. Andrew Struan explains how Glasgow has taken a whole-university approach to ensure all students are well equipped to succeed

Andrew Struan

University of Glasgow

Advice on reframing lectures for teaching in a digital age

The active lecture: student-centred learning for the future

Online teaching offers valuable insight into effective pedagogy that will remain useful long after the pandemic is past, according to James Pickering, who outlines the key lessons to improve teaching design and delivery

James Pickering

University of Leeds

Advice on designing online assessment that reduces the opportunity or temptation to cheat

Design online assessment to prevent academic misconduct

Traditional proctored exams rarely work when teaching online so instructors must rely on careful assessment design to minimise the risk of cheating, explain Patrick Harte and Fawad Khaleel

Patrick Harte , Fawad Khaleel

Edinburgh Napier University

Redefining higher education for the digital age

The lecture is dead, long live the lecture

The move to online teaching is a chance to redesign higher education delivery to reflect the way students learn in our digital age, replacing traditional lectures with more interactive material

Kylie Readman, Garth Maker, Astrid Davine

Murdoch University

Using the Community of Inquiry to improve online learning outcomes

Making the implicit explicit: improve online learning through ‘presence’

Dara Cassidy explains how the Community of Inquiry provides a framework to help translate teaching strategies that come naturally in the classroom to the online learning environment where they require more deliberate planning

Dara Cassidy

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Julianne Law offers insight on how she has adapted her ‘lectures’ for the digital classroom

From lecture theatre to living room: adapting teaching techniques to the online classroom

The move to online education has required a major rethink of traditional teaching practices. Julianne Law offers insight on how she has adapted her ‘lectures’ for the digital classroom

Julianne Law

Bangor University

Selecting digital tools that support your pedagogy and teaching strategies

Tech tools to help enhance online and blended learning

With thousands of educational apps all promising to enhance online learning, choosing the right technology is a challenge. Miral Gibson explains why how pedagogy and teaching strategies should inform these decisions

Miral Gibson

University of Roehampton

Research shows forum based online learning helps keep students more engaged

Forum-based online teaching to improve student engagement and motivation

A key challenge with online learning is maintaining student engagement and motivation. A forum-based teaching system, in which all students could see and compare their work within a shared online space, helped mitigate this challenge, researchers found

Xiaowei Kang, Wen Zhang

Capital Normal University, New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark

Students learning online must be encouraged not to fear getting things wrong

Give students confidence to 'be wrong, loudly’ in online classes

For students to learn effectively online, they must be willing to get things wrong and be corrected. But speaking up in an online class can be intimidating so instructors must take active steps to promote fearless class participation, explains Riley Lovejoy

Riley Lovejoy

University of Alabama

Designing online courses for effective remote teaching and learning

Organising your online course

Three digital teaching experts share advice on how to organise an online course effectively and answer questions about some key challenges during this ACUE webinar

Alyson Snowe, Michael Wesch, April Mondy

Community College of Rhode Island, Kansas State University, Delta State University

Research on effective digital course design and implementation

A guide to effective digital course design and delivery from four online teaching experts

Chrysi Rapanta consolidates the knowledge of four online teaching experts to produce guidance on what pedagogical content knowledge faculty need in order to develop effective digital courses

Chrysi Rapanta

NOVA University Lisbon

Asking remote students questions in online classes

Top online teaching tip: ask your students questions

Asking students questions during online classes provides insight into what they understand and where they need support. David Martin explains how to do this effectively when teaching remotely

David Martin

University of Dundee

Adapting teaching to get the most out of your synchronous online classes

Optimise your synchronous online classes

Teaching online requires adaptations to in-person teaching, whatever your level of experience. Jesper Hansen explains what key changes he has made to his teaching practice to optimise his synchronous online classes

Jesper Hansen

UCL

Activating internal student motivation through curiosity when teaching online

Curiosity: activating internal student motivation when teaching online

Appealing to students’ curiosity boosts their motivation to learn. Jose Vazquez explains how educators can use this in their online teaching strategies

Jose Vazquez

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Creating instructional videos that works for remote learning

Instructional videos: Creating multimedia that works for learning

Best practice in creating instructional videos that efficiently impart knowledge to students learning remotely, from Judy Brooks

Judy Brooks

Carnegie Mellon University

Why a flipped classroom approach to online teaching is so effective

Using an adaptive active model to promote student success

Susan Holecheck explains why flipping the traditional classroom teaching model with an adaptive active learning approach has proven so effective at Arizona State University

Susan Holecheck

Arizona State University

Using evidence based practices in online course design

Ask the experts: Evidence-based practices in online teaching and learning

Find out about using evidence-based practices in online teaching and learning in this Q&A with Ryan Luke, programme director for adaptive learning at the University of Louisville

Ryan Luke

University of Louisville

How and why to apply evidence-based practices to digital learning

Ask the experts: Evidence-based practices in digital learning

Learn about how and why to apply evidence-based practices to digital learning in this Q&A with Nina Araujo, instructional designer at Northeastern University

Nina Araujo

Northwestern University

Expert Q&A: Designing online classes

Brandon Karcher, instructional technology manager at Bucknell University, and Douglas Wilson, instructional designer at Dallas College, answer fellow academics’ questions about how best to design online classes

Brandon Karcher, Douglas Wilson

Bucknell University, Dallas College

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