Pursuing Teaching Excellence in Higher Education: Towards an Inclusive Perspective

Teaching excellence is a topic of international significance, but it is narrowly framed and understood. Wood and Su investigate and rethink excellence in higher education, connecting it to the understanding of the role and purpose of higher education. Stakeholder perspectives on teaching excellence are explored, and the authors argue that it is through engaging with higher education constituencies that more inclusive understandings may be built.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Teaching excellence holds immense global significance in the realm of higher education, yet it remains a concept that is often poorly defined and understood. The prevailing discourse surrounding teaching excellence is narrowly focused on measurement and quantification, emphasizing instrumental and performative approaches. In their groundbreaking work, Wood and Su embark on a profound investigation to reexamine and redefine excellence in higher education, drawing connections between this concept and the broader understanding of the role and purpose of higher education.

To achieve this, the authors delve into diverse stakeholder perspectives on teaching excellence, encompassing institutions of higher learning, academics, students, employers, and parents. These stakeholder perspectives, which form the core chapters of the book, offer a rich tapestry of insights and viewpoints. By engaging with these diverse constituencies, the authors argue that a more inclusive understanding of teaching excellence can be cultivated.

The importance of a commitment to engaging with understandings rooted in the diverse experiences and contexts of stakeholders is emphasized throughout the text. The authors argue that a narrow focus on individual perspectives or institutional metrics alone cannot fully capture the essence of teaching excellence. It is only through a collaborative and inclusive approach that we can gain a comprehensive understanding of what it means to provide high-quality education.

The Coda of the book provides a thought-provoking examination of the implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic on inclusive perspectives on teaching excellence in higher education. The pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges and disruptions, forcing institutions to adapt and evolve their teaching practices in response to the changing needs of students and the broader community. The authors explore how these challenges have impacted the pursuit of teaching excellence and offer insights into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

In conclusion, Teaching Excellence: Reimagining the Concept in Higher Education is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of teaching excellence. By challenging the prevailing discourse and engaging with diverse stakeholder perspectives, the authors provide a roadmap for building more inclusive and effective teaching practices. This book is a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in advancing the quality of higher education.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350216693