Experts Call for More Pragmatic Approach to Higher Education Teaching
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After analyzing the techniques current being used in higher education, [researchers] are calling for a pragmatic and evidence-based approach instead.
Professor Phil Newton, director of learning and teaching at of Swansea University Medical School, said, "Higher education is how we train those who carry out important professional roles in our society. There are now more than 200 million students in HE worldwide and this number is likely to double again over the next decade.
"Given the size, impact, importance and cost of HE, it would be reasonable to assume that policies and practices employed are the best available, based upon rigorous evidence. However, this does not appear to be the case."
[...] Prof Newton added "There is an abundance of academic literature on higher education, stretching back decades. We owe it to all involved in education to ensure that this can best inform innovation and improvement, in a way that allows for professional judgment and a consideration of context.
"This could be achieved by adopting principles of pragmatic, evidence-based higher education."
The researchers' recommendations include, among other things, skills-based development for faculty, cost/benefit analysis of effective approaches, and, of course, "increased funding" to look into the matter further.
Journal Reference:
Newton, Philip M., Da Silva, Ana, Berry, Sam. The Case for Pragmatic Evidence-Based Higher Education: A Useful Way Forward?, Frontiers in Education (DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2020.583157)
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