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.

By Eliza.Compton , 6 November, 2026

Ducking out of the algorithm: how observing nature develops students’ sustained focus

Could asking politics students to watch ducks and squirrels help them resist screens and extend their attention? Eloise Harding used a fieldwork-based assessment that drew on their curiosity and critical thinking skills to find out

Reading time

4minutes

By Tony.Sablan , 5 November, 2026

Using classroom charters to support inclusive learning: four approaches

Black female teacher with adult students handing out papers

Drafting a classroom charter brings students into conversations about expectations, belonging and participation that often prove more valuable than the resulting document

Reading time

5minutes

By Laura.Duckett , 2 November, 2026

Beyond analysis: let’s teach business students to act

Two business students discussing visuals on a dashboard

How to help postgraduate students interpret real-time data and system behaviour to detect early warning signals, identify emerging disruptions and guide decisions – rather than simply report after the fact

Reading time

4minutes

By Laura.Duckett , 30 October, 2026

The difference between AI-proof and AI-authentic engineering education

An engineering student fixing a machine in class

If engineering students are turning to AI first, educators need to think carefully about how to make classroom learning valuable. A simple four-stage approach can help, writes Salman Shahid

Reading time

4minutes

By Laura.Duckett , 28 October, 2026

Are you missing a vital ingredient in VR teaching and learning?

VR learning should go beyond aesthetics. Each object, space or interaction must have a pedagogical function, says Nancy Zavala. Learn how a design thinking approach can help students put theory into practice

Reading time

4minutes

By Tony.Sablan , 27 October, 2026

The colour of comprehension: how to make student understanding visible

Lots of traffic lights mounted on single large pole

Asking ‘any questions?’ rarely gives a true picture of how much a class has taken in. A simple traffic-light strategy can reveal students’ understanding and give instructors insights they can act on immediately

Reading time

5minutes

By kiera.obrien , 26 October, 2026

Why face-to-face lectures need to be interactive – and how to do it

A student raises a hand in a lecture hall

In the YouTube era, are lectures still an efficient use of classroom time? Achim I. Czerny argues they are – with a crucial twist

Reading time

4minutes

By Tony.Sablan , 22 October, 2026

Overcome reading reluctance with in-class tasks

Two students in lecture hall look at a book

While no replacement for tackling long texts, short reading sessions build confidence, boost students’ learning and improve their analysis, synthesis and discussion

Reading time

4minutes

By Laura.Duckett , 22 October, 2026

Develop students’ oracy with these activities

Oracy skills can empower graduates to contribute meaningfully to societal challenges in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world, says Paul Demetriou, who shares practical advice

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 22 October, 2026

Campus Talks: Teaching strategies to get students reading and speaking up in class

Better teaching podcast featuring David Gooblar

A champion of active learning shares ways to create more equitable classrooms, build students’ trust and support academic skills development

Reading time

40minutes

Higher education pedagogy