Quality Learning

Attempts have been made in the last few decades to measure and/or improve the quality of education provided by universities, both in Australia and elsewhere. Although changes have taken place in higher education, some academics think that the quality has declined due to, among other reasons, reducing budget allocations and increasing student intake. John Biggs argues in his book Teaching for Quality Learning at University that even in the present climate the quality of student learning at universities can be improved. He provides a compendium of suggestions for university teachers, focused on what students do when they learn. In his view, "good teaching is getting most students to use the higher cognitive level processes that the more academic students use spontaneously" (p. 4). Biggs postulates that good teaching requires reflection on learning, teaching and oneself as a teacher, and that "learning new techniques for teaching is like the fish that provides a meal today; reflective practice is the net that provides meals for the rest of one's life" (p. 6).

The book is addressed to university teachers and staff developers in the hope that individual teachers, perhaps with assistance from staff developers, will develop an understanding of basic theories and principles of learning, and identify their own strengths and weaknesses as well as student needs. Teachers are expected to adopt or adapt the suggested teaching and assessment practices to suit their particular teaching situations. A brief overview of two learning theories, some outcomes of research into student learning at the tertiary level, and a model of teaching and learning are given before a discussion of aligning teaching and assessment practices with curriculum objectives. Principles and practices of good teaching and assessment, and examples of aligned teaching are given in the latter half of the book. Minimal use of jargon and provision of succinct explanation when educational terminology is used make this self-help book easy to read.

• Biggs, J. (1999). Teaching for Quality Learning at University. Buckingham, UK: SRHE & Open University Press