Page 40 - AUN-QA

2.4. Teaching and Learning Approach

AUN-QA Criterion 4

1. The teaching and learning approach is often dictated by the educational
philosophy of the university. Educational philosophy can be defined as a set of
related beliefs that influences what and how students should be taught. It
defines the purpose of education, the roles of teachers and students, and what
should be taught and by what methods.
2. Quality learning is understood as involving the active construction of meaning
by the student, and not just something that is imparted by the teacher. It is a
deep approach of learning that seeks to make meaning and achieve
understanding.
3. Quality learning is also largely dependent on the approach that the learner
takes when learning. This in turn is dependent on the concepts that the learner
holds of learning, what he or she knows about his or her own learning, and the
strategies she or he chooses to use.
4. Quality learning embraces the principles of learning. Students learn best in a
relaxed, supportive, and cooperative learning environment.
5. In promoting responsibility in learning, teachers should:
a. create a teaching-learning environment that enables individuals to participate
responsibly in the learning process; and
b. provide curricula that are flexible and enable learners to make meaningful
choices in terms of subject content, programme routes, approaches to
assessment and modes and duration of study.
6. The teaching and learning approach should promote learning, learning how to
learn and instil in students a commitment of lifelong learning (e.g. commitment
to critical inquiry, information-processing skills, a willingness to experiment with
new ideas and practices, etc.).

AUN-QA Criterion 4 – Checklist

4 Teaching and Learning Approach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4.1 The educational philosophy is well articulated and
communicated to all stakeholders [1]
4.2 Teaching and learning activities are constructively
aligned to the achievement of the expected
learning outcomes [2, 3, 4, 5]
4.3 Teaching and learning activities enhance life-long
learning [6]
Overall opinion

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