The Future of Education
Teaching and Learning Centers: Bridging the Gap Between Pedagogy and Subject Expertise
Muhammed Siraaj Khan, Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
Abstract
Teaching and Learning Centers (TLCs) play a pivotal role in shaping the quality of higher education. Designed to enhance teaching effectiveness, TLCs provide essential resources, workshops, and consultations that equip educators to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. However, the dynamic relationship between pedagogical expertise and subject-specific knowledge poses unique challenges for TLCs. While these centers excel in instructional design and learning science, their staff often lack the deep disciplinary knowledge that faculty require to address the nuanced demands of their fields. This may lead to tensions, such as a perceived disconnect between generic teaching strategies and the complexities of specialized academic content. Best practices and innovative approaches to bridging these gaps will be evaluated. Strategies such as fostering collaboration between TLC staff and subject-matter experts, offering discipline-specific workshops, and creating customizable support models will be highlighted. By addressing these challenges, institutions can ensure that TLCs remain integral to advancing teaching quality in an ever-evolving academic landscape.
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Keywords |
Teaching and Learning Centers, pedagogy, subject expertise, faculty development, higher education. |
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REFERENCES |
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