Key Findings

The key findings from the project included:

Volume 1: Striving for Excellence in Tertiary Teaching

• Tertiary teaching is hugely diverse in terms of context, level, subject matter and, not least, the learners engaging in it. Nevertheless, recurrent themes shine through. Passion both for their disciplines and the success of their students is common to all excellent tertiary teachers. Because of these twin passions, excellent tertiary teachers set high expectations of their students, but, at the same time, they listen to their students and are highly sensitive to their learning needs.
• Above all, excellent teachers are reflective practitioners, with the ability to not just reflect meaningfully on their practice, but – the mark of true professionals – also with the ability to reflect in practice and, where necessary, change tack mid-stream to maximise the learning opportunities that arise within their classes. There is joy in what they do, there is caring and there is respect for their learners. Excellent teachers are excellent learners themselves and keen to apply that learning in a teaching context.

Volume 2: Tertiary Teaching Excellence in Practice

• Without compromising their expectations, excellent teachers recognise and appreciate student diversity and go out of their way to connect with each learner. They identify students’ individual strengths and build on them. They are deliberately inclusive and, where the curriculum permits, allow a considerable level of democracy and choice within their classrooms. Considerable attention is paid to ensuring that assessment strategies are authentic and support learning.
• Excellent tertiary teachers are seldom satisfied with the status quo. They revel in the fact that each class is different and are not afraid to experiment with new approaches. At the same time, they have a great sense of what is working and what is not working and are prepared to change tack as they go.

Key Recommendations

The key recommendations from the project included:

Excellence in tertiary teaching | The two-volume reflective guide offers valuable insights to what excellence in tertiary teaching and learning means to 30 past TTEA recipients. It brings together the key elements of what it takes to be an excellent tertiary teacher.

Access to good practice material | The guide also makes it easier for educators to access the growing body of good practice material from those recognised nationally for their sustained excellence in teaching and apply it to their own teaching contexts.

Addressing staff development | Leaders, managers and staff developers may find both volumes helpful when addressing staff development, good practice in teaching, and student engagement.