Introduction: developing expertise for teaching in higher education

King, H (2022) 'Introduction: developing expertise for teaching in higher education.' In: Developing expertise for teaching in higher education: practical ideas for professional learning and development. SEDA Series . Routledge, Abingdon, pp. 1-12. ISBN 9781032057002

Abstract

In this introduction, the editor discusses the background and context to the book, setting out an argument for the use of the term ‘expertise’ rather than ‘excellence’ for teaching in higher education. It is suggested that the concept of expertise has the potential to offer a new approach to thinking about high quality teaching in higher education, and a new discourse founded on an academic field of study with strong empirical foundations that provides a springboard for further research and educational development. The structure of the book, based around the editor’s model of expertise described in Chapter 1, is set out together with a brief outline of each chapter. The introduction concludes with the proposition that a conception of expertise is required that is dynamic, socially constructed and recognises the complexities of a profession that engages with humans - teachers and students. It also recognises that expertise in teaching is not simply about practised routines but requires creativity, improvisation and curiosity for what is going on in the learning space. Expertise is characterised theoretically and illustrated empirically as an ongoing developmental journey motivated by our curiosity as teacher-evaluators and our care for effective student learning. Echoing a conclusion of Chapter 1, it is noted that excellence in higher education is commonly assessed at institutional level through output measures such as student satisfaction or graduate outcomes; this effectively ignores a critical feature that distinguishes those with expertise from those with experience: a commitment to professional learning.

Item Type:	Book Chapter or Section
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Divisions:	Professional Services
Date Deposited:	28 Feb 2024 10:18
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2024 15:30
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16110

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