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.

Students in an exam hall

Designing assessments with generative AI in mind

A new era of AI requires a balance between thoughtfully mitigating and responsibly promoting student use of new tools

Kate Crane

Dalhousie University

AI concept

The ‘deep learn’ framework: elevating AI literacy in higher education

AI literacy is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a critical skill for university students. The ‘deep learn’ framework offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing literacy around artificial intelligence and application in higher education settings

Birgit Phillips

FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences

Engaged female student in lecture raising hand

How to develop cognitive presence in your learning community

In an effective learning community, students feel safe to challenge their own preconceptions and reflect on their progress. Here, Hannah Shaw and Mike Hackman offer quick, effective wins to develop cognitive presence in and beyond the classroom

Hannah Shaw, Mike Hackman

Cardiff University

laptop open with headphones and coffee cup

Three approaches to improve your online teaching

When designing online courses and teaching remotely, teachers need to select the framework that supports learning goals. Here, three academics break online learning techniques into their key parts

Antoni Badia , Consuelo García, Julio Meneses

Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Valencian International University

Arrows diverting into two streams

The trouble with Bloom’s taxonomy in an age of AI

When using large language models to create learning tasks, educators should be careful with their prompts if the LLM relies on Bloom’s taxonomy as a supporting dataset. Luke Zaphir and Dale Hansen break down the issues

Luke Zaphir , Dale Hansen

The University of Queensland

neurodivergent concept

How to create an inclusive campus for neurodivergent students

Training, consultation and embracing UDL are a few actions that university leaders, faculty and staff can use to support different ways of thinking and learning on campus

Meghan Cosier, Audri Sandoval Gomez

Chapman University

multiracial university students sitting outside

Curriculum reform to boost under-represented students’ success in higher education

Large-scale transition from traditional curricula to a block model can have a positive impact on student achievement. Here, Thomas Roche, Erica Wilson and Liz Goode describe five steps to implement whole-institution reform, based on a study of a regional public university in Australia

Thomas Roche, Erica Wilson, Liz Goode

Southern Cross University

Students working in a team on a project

Encouraging effective teamwork in the classroom

Setting group assessments is an excellent way of reducing marking, providing more meaningful, considered feedback for students and restoring work-life balance, writes Becky Lewis

Becky Lewis

The University of East Anglia

Student raising hand in class

Supporting students who stammer in higher education

Teaching and assessment approaches that benefit students who stammer are likely to help others in your class. Here, Deborah Johnston offers a 10-point guide to adopting an inclusive mindset and methods

Deborah Johnston

London South Bank University

Diverse students in lecture hall

Diversity in the classroom as an advantage for learning

Cultural diversity can have practical benefits in the university classroom if we reflect on it from a culture-sensitive perspective, writes Attila Dobos. It can enhance the quality of discussions and lead to a deeper understanding between teacher and students

Attila Dobos

Semmelweis University

Bob Marley's portrait and "One Love" at the entrance to the Bob Marley Mausoleum compound in Jamaica

What Bob Marley can teach us about inclusive pedagogy

As One Love hits cinemas, educators can take inspiration from the life of Bob Marley to create a more inclusive educational experience. Lucy Gill-Simmen shows how

Lucy Gill-Simmen

Royal Holloway, University of London

A group of students having a civil political debate

Pluralistic campuses will foster the bridge-builders our divided nations need

Students with the skills to treat diverse viewpoints with curiosity and respect will be prepared to navigate the complexities of the real world, say Eboo Patel and Rebecca Russo

Eboo Patel, Rebecca Russo

Interfaith America

Two accountants calculate the carbon footprint of a factory

The climate crisis heralds an imperative for sustainable accountancy practices

Finance and accounting educators have a moral obligation to embed the principles of the SDGs into their courses. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to do, write Shona Russell and Ian Thomson

Shona Russell, Ian Thomson

University of St Andrews, University of Dundee

Box of chocolates

Heart skills to future-proof students

These 10 skills might sound as soft as the centre of a Valentine’s Day chocolate, but they are essential for the careers and employability of our students, writes Elizabeth Reid Boyd

Elizabeth Reid Boyd

Edith Cowan University

University students doing group work

How to develop and nurture social presence in a learning community

Fostering a rich learning community in your module or programme can be difficult. Here, Hannah Shaw and Mike Hackman draw on staff and student feedback to provide quick, effective wins to develop the social presence in your learning communities

Hannah Shaw, Mike Hackman

Cardiff University

Students doing group work

Nudge your way up the NSS ladder

Small module changes based on behavioural insights into human flaws can help students collaborate more and procrastinate less – and boost engagement outcomes in your classes, writes Jana Sadeh

Jana Sadeh

University of Southampton

Class of students using Etherpad to discuss learning points

Use Etherpad to improve engagement in large transnational classes

By leveraging technology to create an anonymous and collaborative space, educators can empower hesitant students to actively contribute and foster a more interactive and inclusive learning environment

Ying Feng

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Illustration of a man with clouds for a head

Believe it or not, you can use conspiracy theories as tools for teaching

When misinformation is a global risk, critical thinking skills are more vital than ever, writes Malcolm Schofield. Here, he offers techniques from parapsychology and belief studies that can make research and analysis more rigorous

Malcolm Schofield

University of Derby

Cat in a box

Don’t just chat(GPT): turn on critical interrogation

Critical thinking is often seen as the antidote to generative AI. But what if educators took it one step further back and aimed to encourage students’ curiosity? Giuseppe Cimadoro explains

Giuseppe Cimadoro

St Mary’s University Twickenham

A student practices their interviewing skills

Why your students need to learn the skills of a journalist

Interviewing real people to gain original stories and insights is a skill that will serve your students well in the age of AI. Julie Nightingale offers tips

Julie Nightingale

Nottingham Trent University

Robot in business meeting

Three ways to use ChatGPT to enhance students’ critical thinking in the classroom

The balance between technology and traditional educational values, as well as ensuring that AI complements, rather than replaces, the human element in education, are the keys to maximising AI’s benefits in the classroom, writes Nikolas Dietis

Nikolas Dietis

University of Cyprus

human hands using laptop with robot hand emerging from screen

Students see the benefits of AI-generated learning content

Students might already show a preference for AI-generated online learning content, so academic colleagues and institutions need to capitalise on this to improve resource management and staff well-being, write Dean Fido and Gary F. Fisher

Dean Fido, Gary F. Fisher

University of Derby

A woman looks shocked as she browses a laptop

Give students the tools to judge difficult materials in context

After Osama bin Laden’s viral 'Letter to America', Nicholas Chan provides a pedagogical pathway to tackling difficult material

Nicholas Chan

Australian National University

Two male swimmers in a pool

Stay in your lane or swim sideways: working respectfully in the third space

Learning designers and subject matter experts often have to navigate the choppy waters of course co-creation. Here, Jay Cohen offers six tips for collaborating successfully

Jay Cohen

University of Adelaide

Female university students in class

Using communication before content to develop cognitive presence

Cognitive presence goes beyond physical presence and enables students to feel comfortable in the learning environment, writes Alison Thirlwall. It puts the educator in students’ minds as a supporter and guide

Alison Thirlwall

University of Wollongong

Christmas tree in library

The comfort and joy of flipping the classroom

‘Tis the season to embrace the magic of a flipped classroom. Multidisciplinary educators offer their perspectives

Megan Barker, Diana Bedoya, Sarah Johnson, Danielle Murdoch, Leanne Ramer

Simon Fraser University

Young female student writing at a desk

Writing responsibly: how to use reflective practices to navigate ChatGPT

Reflective writing exercises can mitigate the influence of artificial intelligence on students’ learning, while also enriching understanding and giving students a chance to express themselves, writes Mario Carrera

Mariano Carrera

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok

A group of students laugh together while sitting on the floor of a library

Students’ life stories can bridge the gap between theory and practice

Drawing from lived experience can help build students’ self-efficacy and develop learning skills. Ankit Agarwal explains how

Ankit Agarwal

University of Adelaide

Pupil in a class

How to use YouTube videos in a flipped classroom system

With students’ attention spans decreasing, it’s important to find engaging ways to help with pre-class preparation, writes Aravind Reghunathan

Aravind Reghunathan

Loughborough University

Class full of students with an instructor at the front

Seven ways to tailor your teaching for different class sizes

Useful ways to provide effective learning experiences for all your students, no matter the class size

Gabriela Espínola Carballo , Mariana Estefanía Elizondo

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Cartoon of animator at work

Animating education: a teaching tool that brings learning to life

Through animation, educators can transform complicated or abstract subjects into accessible narratives, facilitating students’ comprehension and enhancing the learning experience, writes Nigel Bairstow

Nigel Bairstow

University of Technology Sydney

Books in a library

How to teach primary source literacy skills in universities

Primary source literacy instruction is instrumental in teaching transferable critical thinking and research skills that help prepare students for their academic careers and real-life scenarios, write Ariana Varela and Michaela Ullmann

Michaela Ullmann, Ariana Varela

University of Southern California

Two students outside campus smiling to camera

How can we create accessible and inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students?

How can we actively engage neurodivergent students in the classroom? This resource offers practical guidance for fostering accessible and inclusive learning environments that honour diverse thinking and learning styles

Emilie Edwards

Middlesex University

Cooperation and partnership between robot and human stock illustration

Roles for AI to play in the classroom

From supporting classroom debate and discussion to problem-solving and decision-making, here are ways that artificial intelligence can enhance teaching and learning

Carl Follmer

University of Iowa

International students

Five useful measures for welcoming students to international classrooms

Preeti Aghalayam explains why it’s worth examining the effectiveness of your teaching, acknowledging the changes needed for an inclusive classroom and how to do it

Preeti Aghalayam

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Students at university looking to the left of the camera towards an off-screen instructor

Seven key strategies to make abstract concepts more exciting

Effective strategies to engage students in learning complex and abstract international relations theories

Adrian Man-Ho Lam

The University of Hong Kong

Students in field

What is experiential learning and why is it crucial in today’s world?

Mónica Gárate presents an experiential learning methodology, including characteristics, benefits and how the professor should participate in the process

Mónica Gárate

CETYS Universidad

Student doctors practising clinical skills on a plush bear

How to teach clinical communication skills in a foreign language from scratch

This hands-on approach to clinical practice integrates content and language and enables both local and international students to acquire communication skills and vocabulary alongside activities relevant to medical practice

Katalin Fogarasi, Judit Császár

Semmelweis University

Students raising hands in class

‘Well…what do you think?’ Responding to challenging questions in the moment

While daunting, tough questions from learners can be a catalyst for collaborative learning and critical thinking. Roma Forbes offers practical advice for how to respond in the classroom or the corridor

Roma Forbes

The University of Queensland

Female engineering students working on a robotics project

Transforming the classroom through experiential learning

A pilot programme aims to expand undergraduate students’ access to high-impact learning experiences to strengthen skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. Kate Williams looks at its outcomes

Kate Williams

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville

Accessing the what, how and why of universal design for learning using popular culture

Stone Meredith explains how she hits the fundamental building blocks of UDL by leveraging popular culture sources using various media, particularly YouTube

Stone Meredith

Colorado State University Global

College student clapping her hands

Reconceptualise the ‘classroom’ for enhanced student engagement

Student-centred learning strategies that will boost engagement holistically across in-person and digital learning spaces

Elena Riva, Heather Meyer

The University of Warwick

Asian student addressing class with microphone

Using the power of debate to enhance critical thinking

Asking students to analyse, defend and counterargue a contentious issue has proved an engaging way to teach reasoning and communication skills in organisational behaviour courses

M. C. Zhang

Macau University of Science and Technology

Group of young adults holding up speech balloons

Do you speak Gen Z or are you a noob?

Students want to study with academics who understand them and speak their language rather than learn from people they feel are out of touch. Here’s how to align your lingo and foster engagement

Jennifer Pulkkinen

University of Derby

Abstract image representing free thoughts flying from a head in the form of butterflies

Biased AI poses a threat to academic freedom that must be confronted

How academics can manage and guide the use of generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT so that it enhances learning and independent thought and does not hamper academic freedom

Shweta Singh

The University of Warwick

Teacher in tutorial

What is affective learning and how can it foster engagement and critical thinking?

It takes time, patience and training, but a teaching approach that recognises the role that emotions play in learning can result in a more positive, effective and impactful student experience

Jyoti Devi Mahadeo, Rabindra Nepal

University of Bradford, University of Wollongong

students laughing in class

How to use humour to boost student understanding and foster creativity

Humour is a versatile teaching tool, explains Pete Ludovice. It’s fun, it makes the lecturer seem more approachable, helps make complex concepts relatable, shifts cognitive load, and encourages innovation in the classroom

Peter Ludovice

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

A robot holds up a sign showing two people talking

Harness human and artificial intelligence to improve classroom debates

A guide to using artificial intelligence to support nuanced class debates that train students’ critical thinking and communication skills

Elmar Kutsch

Cranfield University

Manchester at sunset

Unlocking urban secrets: learning through the exploration of our cityscapes

Teaching strategies to tap into the micro-narratives embedded within the urban landscape to support learning outside the classroom

Daniel Gutiérrez-Ujaque , Felipe Saravia

University of Lleida , University of Bio-Bio , The University of Manchester

Three latina students studying together

Making space for emotions in learning

The trick is to design courses so cognitive and affective learning balance each other in a way that promotes empathy and deeper understanding of the content, writes Carol Subiño Sullivan

Carol Subiño Sullivan

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

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