Rethinking teaching and teaching practice at university in a lifelong learning context

The development visions of universities, the growing heterogeneity of learners at all levels and changes in higher education are increasing expectations of academics’ professionalism and their teaching practices. Learning experiences and teaching practices at university influence further choices and support continuing lifelong learning of university students. This paper presents research results from an empirical survey carried out at Tallinn University in Estonia. It investigates how students experience teaching and teaching practices and how academics experience their own teaching. Within a theoretical framework of adult learning principles, the emphasis is on the importance of and interrelations between teaching practices and the student learning process at university. Relevant data were collected from 235 students, who were asked to fill in a semi-structured questionnaire, and from 9 academic staff members, who were asked to submit reflection papers. The students and the academics in the sample came from three different disciplines: (1) mathematics/natural sciences; (2) educational sciences/teacher education; and (3) social sciences. The empirical data thus gathered were then analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The authors’ findings indicate that while students experience current teaching practices as somewhat limited to a one-sided passing on of knowledge to learners, academic staff perceive their teaching as a collaborative process which helps their students’ development. This discrepancy creates tension and thus calls for change.