What is academic teachership? During a number of workshops with experienced teachers at Stockholm University, eight dimensions of academic teaching were identified. The result is presented in the form of a cube. The aim of the Cube is to offer inspiration and act as a reminder of the possibilities of academic teachership.

 

The 8 dimensions of academic teachership

 

1. Subject expert and guide    

  • Translates subject knowledge into teaching practice through, for example:    
  • Adapting teaching to the appropriate level
  • Determining what students find difficult
  • Giving students support and access to learning resources

2. Role model and mentor    

  • Approaches teaching professionally through, for example:    
  • Being a role model for colleagues and students
  • Being prepared and clear
  • Communicating purpose and learning objectives
  • Working intentionally with attitudes, values, and ethics

3. Student-centred    

  • Places the students' perspectives and their needs in focus through, for example:    
  • Building on student interests
  • Creating an inclusive, open, and safe environment
  • Engaging students in processing course content

4. Examiner    

  • Approaches assessment and evaluation professionally through, for example:    
  • Making student progression visible through feedback
  • Assessing student learning in relation to learning outcomes
  • Providing training of skills that will be assessed

5. Course designer    

  • Creates and develops courses through, for example:    
  • Designing teaching and learning activities and examinations that align with learning outcomes
  • Continuously evaluating and developing courses and programs
  • Identifying areas for development in courses and programs

6. Reflective practitioner    

  • Systematically develops one's own teachership through, for example:    
  • Reflecting on one's role as a teacher
  • Problematising aspects of teaching outcomes
  • Having a clear plan for one's own pedagogical development

    
7. Pedagogical leader    

  • Pursues educational development through, for example:    
  • Having a clear vision for the pedagogical activities at the department
  • Initiating and pursuing educational development work
  • Developing the pedagogical culture in the department
  • Having a legitimate role regarding pedagogical issues

8. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning    

  • Contributes to sharing of knowledge and collegial development through, for example:    
  • Systematically exploring pedagogical practice
  • Sharing pedagogical experiences to build knowledge
  • Spreading knowledge and linking teaching to educational research