University Teaching in Focus: A Learning-Centred Approach

University Teaching in Focus provides a foundational springboard for early career academics preparing to teach in universities. Focusing on four critical areas - teaching, curriculum, students, and quality/leadership - this succinct resource offers university teachers a straightforward approach to facilitating effective student learning. The book empowers university teachers and contributes to their career success by developing teaching skills, strategies, and knowledge, as well as linking theory to practice. Written in a clear and accessible style by internationally acclaimed experts, topics include: learning theories, assessment, discipline-based teaching, curriculum design, problem-based and work-integrated learning, effective classroom teaching, and flexible modes of delivery. The needs of diverse student groups are explored and the scholarship of teaching and learning is addressed within a quality and leadership framework. The book also makes reference to seminal works and current resources. Real-world cases illuminate the theoretical content and 'Your Thoughts' sections encourage reflection and adaptation to local contexts. University Teaching in Focus explores ways that teachers can effectively engage students in life-long learning, extending their capacity to solve problems, to enter the workforce, to understand their discipline, and to interact positively with others in a global community throughout their professional lives.

"There is ageless material [...] This book provides, and does it well, exactly what it claims to on the back cover – ‘a foundation springboard for early career academic preparing to teach’. I would go further and recommend that all such new academics read this book before setting foot in a classroom or lecture hall." – Peter Gossman FSEDA, Educational Developments

"This book, aimed at early career academic staff, has contributions from 21 experts. I had initial concerns that the ‘too many cooks’ adage would apply but they quickly disappeared: the editors have produced a clearly structured text that has been shaped into a coherent, consistent whole...The individual chapters could be read in isolation and are of a manageable length. This flexibility also makes the book a valuable resource for more experienced academics. For this reason, I intend to keep my copy, which already has a fine collection of sticky notes attached, within easy reach for the foreseeable future." - Education in Chemistry (May 2013)

"A must have text for all academics and scholars that carefully considers theories and plans for practice in a reflective and thought-provoking way." - Teaching & Learning Inquiry: The ISSOTL Journal, 2014

"In truth, it was difficult to find a weak contribution in this volume.  The authors are all leaders in the field of teaching and learning, mostly (but not exclusively) in Australia and the U.K.  On a wide range of topics, including assessment, online and blended learning, teaching international students, and research-based curricula, the authors consistently provide compelling reviews of the literature, as well as practical advice for how the insights of the chapter can be used to help teachers improve their practice, and improve student learning." - Teaching & Learning Inquiry: The ISSOTL Journal, 2014

"If you are a newcomer to this type of pedagogical reflection and want to bathe in a rich pool of theory coupled with good practice from experts, this is a book for you." - Andy Draycott, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, Teaching Theology and Religion