We need to talk about teaching

Abstract

This paper explores the current context of university teaching in relation to socio-cultural influences. It considers the influences of perfomativity and the impact of a range of initiatives designed to improve learning and teaching in higher education. It identifies a range of issues with the way teaching is perceived and managed and the negative effect this is having on the professional learning of academic staff and opportunities for developing creative approaches to teaching in the disciplines. Leadership of teaching is identified as a significant area for growth in disciplines and the important role of academic staff in disrupting the current narrative is emphasised.