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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adelaide University

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

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

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

Adelaide University

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

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

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

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

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

‘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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning to learn: developing students into effective lifelong learners

Kevinia Cheung outlines an institutional approach to developing undergraduates’ ability to ‘learn to learn’

Kevinia Cheung

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The power and the peril of virtual reality in higher education

From investing in training to identifying educational objectives, Mark Milliron offers advice on fully realising VR’s promise for universities

Mark Milliron

National University

A young woman looking happy as she works at a laptop

A reflexive writing workshop to enhance engagement with learning

Reflexive writing workshops can help boost students’ interest and motivation in relation to their studies. Aspasia Eleni Paltoglou explains how these can work

Aspasia Eleni Paltoglou

Manchester Metropolitan University

Two male Asian students in a lecture theatre

The art of bringing humour into the classroom

A laugh or smile can lighten a lecture and make students more willing to speak up in class. Here are tips for using this nuanced, subjective tool in your teaching

Cheong Fan

Macau University of Science and Technology

How to make your university more neurodiverse friendly

With one in seven people in the UK being neurodiverse, a group of lecturers and students from Arden University lists ways in which universities can better cater to neurodiverse students

Finola Farrant, Emma Owen

Arden University

How can generative AI intersect with Bloom’s taxonomy?

Like in a video game, AI allows us to jump multiple levels, but that doesn’t mean the much-used framework becomes obsolete – we might just need a new approach

Christine Rivers, Anna Holland

University of Surrey

Male Asian student making heart symbol with his hands

Teaching from the heart in 13 steps

Engaging your students through empathy requires teachers to share their own stories and vulnerabilities and foster a safe space for learning. Here, Beiting He offers 13 ways to create a caring classroom

Beiting He

Macau University of Science and Technology

Using film to prompt discussion in legal studies

Movies and television programmes can challenge students’ perceptions and enrich their understanding of the law. But designing an effective module requires more than a must-watch list, writes Michael Randall

Michael Randall

University of Strathclyde

How ‘service learning’ can improve outcomes for students, educators and local communities

A guide to using service learning, in which students oversee projects in the community, to enhance theoretical classroom teaching

Tachagorn Chansema

Siam University

Asian student reading and studying at home for flipped classroom

Show students that the flipped classroom is much more than self-directed learning

Tan Bhing Leet provides three suggestions to help educators maximise the benefits of flipped classrooms

Tan Bhing Leet

Singapore Institute of Technology

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