Higher Teaching is a practical manual designed for the new teacher in college or university. It is divided into two sections: Practice, which addresses what to do when you get your first course outline to teach, how to choose strategies and plan lessons, and how to manage your classroom so it is a safe and positive place in which students learn. There are chapters on instructional media, teaching online, assessment and evaluation, dealing with difficult students and academic integrity issues, and how to improve your teaching. The second part “Theory and Background,” focuses on the theories that inform current higher education teaching and curriculum, and adult education, and a very useful chapter of advice extracted from experienced teachers responding to the question “What's the advice you would give to a brand new teacher?” Also useful to a new teacher are the glossary of academic jargon and a lesson plan template.
This is the book I needed when I started teaching: a practical primer on the essentials. Presenting new information in a lively and clear way is only half the job. Everyone who knows a field well can talk about it. Teachers must close the loop by finding out what students have retained, and what they can do with it. When the results of teaching are insufficient, one needs better strategies or materials. Teaching is a distinct skill set, which requires close attention to student reactions and work, thinking on your feet, and willingness to try new approaches until something works. It takes patience, perseverance, and the desire to see every student do well, or at least do his or her best.
Oughton does an incredible job of demystifying and simplifying teaching theories and strategies for higher educators in this forward-thinking teaching resource. This book knits together practical and common sense teaching methods, and exemplifies substantive teaching strategies suitable for both seasoned and unseasoned educators!
Dr. M. Francine Jennings, Educator, Performing Artist, and Motivational Speaker, Adjunct Faculty, Lesley University, Graduate School of Education
Education opens hearts and minds and great teaching transforms lives. Inclusive, engaged learning is an extraordinary adventure for both student and teacher, and the very best teachers remain students themselves. This wise, accessible and practical primer distils practice wisdom, teaching and learning research, theory, and best practices to support both new and still-learning professors, as well as offering a welcome refresher for more seasoned faculty. With a wealth of concrete examples, sample activities, lesson plans, tips and strategies, this book is the equivalent of a friendly colleague in the office next door. You will find advice, guidance, lessons learned, and the joy of teaching in these pages. Enjoy the journey!
Dr. Marilyn Herie, Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer, Centennial College