Improving teaching skills of university teachers — necessary, but sustainable innovation requires more!

Abstract

Following the Bologna reform, there are new challenges for teaching and learning at universities which training programs for university teachers cannot tackle sufficiently. The article argues that sustainable changes in teaching and learning require approaches which cover teachers’ individual development and the organizational development of structures and cultures at universities. If there is to be an impact on practice in teaching and learning at universities, training activities for university teachers alone are not enough. Rather, a comprehensive approach called the ‘university development in the area of teaching and learning’ is needed. A specific framework is introduced, comprising areas such as the organizational culture and structure of universities, study programs, and courses. Furthermore, strategic objectives and change management/leadership are two overarching areas to address when implementing changes in teaching and learning at universities.

Keywords

• Bologna reform
• change leadership
• change management
• deep learning
• surface learning
• learning culture