A profound forum entitled “Teaching and Learning Issues across Global Higher Education ” was held to explore the intricate challenges and opportunities inherent in global higher education on September 19th. It was moderated by Professor Liwei Wang, the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Development.
This academic event prominently featured Professor Bairbre Redmond, a Full Professor Emeritus in Higher Education from University College Dublin, Ireland. Professor Redmond, renowned for her vast expertise, presented an insightful and scholarly discourse on the subject, further enriching the forum's intellectual depth.
The discourse shed light on the myriad issues confronting universities, ranging from overarching global and institutional challenges to student issues. The pandemic has undeniably exacerbated the challenges of effective teaching, with repercussions that will reverberate for years to come. Transitioning from reactive, crisis-driven pedagogies to a more resilient and enhanced state of teaching is a daunting task. Grounding the discussions in practical terms, Professor Redmond elaborated on the effectiveness of hybrid/blended learning, the resource-intensive nature of quality online teaching, and the decisive choices institutions must make regarding the future of online education.
In the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Professor Redmond elucidated the potential threats and opportunities in teaching and learning. She underscored the imperative for faculty, discipline leaders, and students to be well-informed and proactive. Central to her argument was the need to cultivate an institutional ethos anchored in integrity, honesty, trust, and respect. She championed the cause of fostering transparent dialogues between academia and the student body to collaboratively navigate the AI landscape.
Elaborating on the gaps between the educational purpose of universities and the job-ready needs of industry, Professor Redmond introduced micro-credentials as a potential solution to the rapidly changing job market. However, she expressed reservations about the learning outcomes, assessment methodologies, quality assurance, and the purported benefits of such programs. She argued that a focus on developing students' critical thinking, teamwork and flexibility can make lifelong learning a reality, equipping students for lifelong learning and ensuring their relevance in the future job ecosystem.
The forum also delved into the interactive sessions where attendees reflected on their own challenges, fostering a rich dialogue among participants. Vibrant discussions ensued, with teachers voicing concerns about curriculum structures, the potential burdens of blended learning on students, and the significance of fostering international competencies. Professor Redmond, with her characteristic acumen, addressed these queries, offering invaluable insights.
The forum was not merely a dialogue but a confluence of academic wisdom and practical insights. Professor Redmond's academic prowess, combined with her pragmatic perspectives, rendered a comprehensive overview of global higher education challenges and prospects. As the world of academia navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing landscape, such enlightening forums are crucial in shaping the future of education.
Reported by Suyun Xu
Proofread by Wenting Xing
Photographed by Qianyun Xu
Reviewed by Yihong Qiu, Jinyan Bai