Overview
Examination of contemporary research on student learning. Exploration of the effects of participants’ teaching practices on how students learn in order to enhance student learning outcomes.
HEDU 502 offers you an opportunity to reflect on and develop a critical rationale for reviewing or changing aspects of teaching and learning in a higher education setting. Drawing on contemporary educational research, you will develop a strategy for change that can be put into effect and evaluated in terms of its impact.
About this paper
| Paper title | Learning Theory and Practice in Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Subject | Higher Education |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $2,498.25 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- HEDX 502
- Limited to
- PGCertHighE, PGDipHighE, MHEd
- Notes
- As one of the principal modes of teaching is on-line learning, all students are required to have access to the internet.
- Eligibility
- Suitable for graduates who are currently teaching tertiary students in universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions.
- Contact
- hedc@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about this paper on the Higher Education Development Centre website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This is a project-based paper in which you propose a solution to an educational issue in your own practice. The proposed solution should be informed by your exploration of teaching and learning related theories and/or concepts.
- Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
HEDU 502 does not include lectures or classroom sessions; instead it offers flexible independent learning with tuition and support through a supervisor. Students will attend a few sessions together throughout the year so that they learn from each other’s projects and experiences. The timing will be negotiated with the cohort by the paper co-ordinator.
- Textbooks
Recommended: University Teaching: An introductory guide, by T Harland, 2012.
Teaching for quality learning at University, 3rd edition, by J Biggs and C Tang, 2007 (4th edition is also fine).
Learning to teach in Higher Education, 2nd edition, by P Ramsden, 2003.- Course outline
Contact Dr Qian Liu for the course outline.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete the paper will have an awareness of a range of teaching and assessment strategies and be able to evaluate and change their teaching practice.
Overview
Examination of contemporary research on student learning. Exploration of the effects of participants’ teaching practices on how students learn in order to enhance student learning outcomes.
HEDU 502 offers you an opportunity to reflect on and develop a critical rationale for reviewing or changing aspects of teaching and learning in a higher education setting. Drawing on contemporary educational research, you will develop a strategy for change that can be put into effect and evaluated in terms of its impact.
About this paper
| Paper title | Learning Theory and Practice in Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Subject | Higher Education |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2027 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- HEDX 502
- Limited to
- PGCertHighE, PGDipHighE, MHEd
- Notes
- As one of the principal modes of teaching is on-line learning, all students are required to have access to the internet.
- Eligibility
Suitable for graduates who are currently teaching tertiary students in universities, polytechnics and other tertiary institutions.
- Contact
tbc
- More information link
View more information about this paper on the Centre for Education Design and Innovation website.
- Teaching staff
tbc
- Paper Structure
This is a project-based paper in which you propose a solution to an educational issue in your own practice. The proposed solution should be informed by your exploration of teaching and learning related theories and/or concepts.
- Teaching Arrangements
The distance learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
HEDU 502 does not include lectures or classroom sessions; instead it offers flexible independent learning with tuition and support through a supervisor. Students will attend a few sessions together throughout the year so that they learn from each other’s projects and experiences. The timing will be negotiated with the cohort by the paper co-ordinator.
- Textbooks
Recommended:
- Harland, T. (2012). University Teaching: An Introductory Guide (1st ed.). Routledge.
- Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2007). Teaching for Quality Learning at University (3rd ed.). Open University Press. (4th edition is also fine.)
- Ramsden, P. (2003). Learning to Teach in Higher Education (2nd ed.). Routledge.
- Course outline
Contact Dr Qian Liu for the course outline.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will have an awareness of a range of teaching and assessment strategies and be able to evaluate and change their teaching practice.