Pedagogical Competence Development in Higher Education : Exploring Foundations and Dimensions of Pedagogical Practices

This two-volume book addresses the need for continuous professional development among educators in higher education to meet contemporary challenges and enhance teaching quality.

Teaching in higher education is a context-sensitive and culturally based activity that requires a dialogic approach between teachers and students, making it essential for educators to stay updated with the latest teaching strategies and methodologies. This first volume is focused on establishing conceptual clarity, pedagogical models and systemic frameworks that advance professionalism, underpin teaching excellence and support educational transformation in higher education, paving the way for in-depth investigation of pedagogical growth in specific contexts in Volume 2. This volume is organised into two thematic sections. Chapters in the first section explore the conceptual, philosophical, and systemic underpinnings of pedagogical competence, addressing accreditation, standardisation, and the balance between theory and practice, and laying the foundation for understanding teaching as a profession grounded in both technical expertise and ethical reflection. The second section situates pedagogical competence within institutional, cultural, and geopolitical contexts, and explores how educators in varied and sometimes fragile higher education systems negotiate development amid structural, digital, and socio-political challenges. Through case studies from Yemen and postcolonial settings, the chapters illustrate how contextual constraints can become catalysts for innovation and resilience.

An indispensable resource for educators in higher education, these two volumes address the critical need for continuous professional development, reflective practice and collaboration, for advancing pedagogical professionalism, and for ensuring that higher education remains responsive to the needs of students and society.

Abdulghani Muthanna is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Pedagogical Development and Learning, Østfold University College, Norway. His research interests include critical pedagogy, teaching professionalism and collaboration. He has recently co-edited a book about professional identity development, published by Routledge.

Håkon Naasen Tandberg is the head of the Centre for Pedagogical Development and Learning at Østfold University College, Norway. He is currently a board member of the Norwegian Network for University and College Pedagogy. His research interests include teaching cultures and dialectical pedagogy.

Myint Swe Khine is an academic staff member at Curtin University, Australia. He has worked at the Learning Science and Technology Academic Group at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and published widely on teacher education and educational research.