Тематический план

  • Общее

    • Welcome speech Форум
      Hello everyone!

      First of all, I would like to warmly welcome you to this module, “Pedagogy of Higher Education.” It is a pleasure to see so many bright and motivated students joining us for what I promise will be an engaging and thought-provoking journey into the world of teaching and learning at the higher education level.

      This module is designed to help you explore the principles, theories, and practical approaches that underpin effective higher education teaching. We will examine key topics such as curriculum design, teaching and learning strategies, assessment, student support, and leadership in education. More importantly, we will consider how these ideas can be applied in real educational contexts, so that you are not only learning about pedagogy but also experiencing it in action.

      Our goal in this module is not just to develop your understanding of pedagogy, but also to help you become reflective, innovative, and inclusive educators. You will be encouraged to think critically, collaborate with your peers, and connect theory with practice, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in your future professional roles.

      I encourage you to actively participate, ask questions, and share your own experiences and perspectives. Learning in higher education is a two-way process, and your engagement will make our sessions richer and more rewarding for everyone.

      Once again, welcome to the module. I look forward to our discussions, activities, and shared journey as we explore the pedagogy of higher education together. Let’s make this an inspiring and valuable experience for all of us!

      Warm regards,
      Dr. Gulzhaina K. Kassymova
      Module Tutor
      Abai University

  • Week 1. Pedagogy and understanding student learning

    • Lecture 1 Файл

      This introductory lecture explores the foundations of pedagogy and the complex processes involved in how students learn. We will examine the relationship between teaching and learning, highlighting key educational theories—from behaviorism and constructivism to social and experiential learning approaches. The session aims to develop a critical understanding of how pedagogical choices shape learning outcomes and influence student engagement, motivation, and development.

      Through discussion and reflective activities, students will analyze different models of teaching, consider diverse learner needs, and explore the role of the teacher as a facilitator of active, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences. By the end of the lecture, participants will begin to construct their own pedagogical perspective grounded in evidence-based understanding of student learning.

      Key Topics:

      • What is pedagogy?

      • Theories of learning and their classroom applications

      • Factors influencing how students learn

      • The role of reflection in effective teaching

      • Inclusive and student-centered approaches

      Learning Outcomes:
      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      1. Define pedagogy and explain its significance in educational practice.

      2. Identify and compare major theories of learning.

      3. Reflect on how pedagogical approaches affect student learning and engagement.

      4. Begin to articulate a personal understanding of effective teaching and learning.


  • Week 2. Planning teaching and learning: Curriculum design and development

    • Lectire 2 Файл

      This lecture explores the fundamental principles and processes involved in planning effective teaching and learning through curriculum design and development. Students will examine how educational goals, learning outcomes, and pedagogical strategies align to create coherent and meaningful learning experiences. We will discuss key curriculum models such as Tyler’s Objective Model, Taba’s Grassroots Model, and the Constructive Alignment approach. Special attention will be given to how curriculum design reflects educational philosophy, social context, inclusivity, and the needs of diverse learners.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Understand the relationship between curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment.

      • Analyze different curriculum design models and their practical applications.

      • Apply principles of constructive alignment to develop lesson or course plans.

      • Evaluate how curriculum design supports equity, inclusion, and quality in education.

      The session includes interactive discussions, case studies, and reflective tasks that encourage students to think critically about curriculum decisions in their own teaching or institutional contexts.


  • Week 3. E-learning – an introduction

    • Lecture 3 Файл

      This lecture provides an overview of e-learning as a dynamic approach to teaching and learning in the digital age. Students will explore the evolution, key concepts, and theoretical foundations of e-learning, including online, blended, and hybrid models. The session introduces major learning management systems (LMS), digital tools, and multimedia resources that support virtual education.

      Attention will be given to pedagogical principles underlying effective e-learning design—such as learner engagement, interactivity, accessibility, and assessment in online environments. We will also discuss the challenges of digital inequality, learner motivation, and quality assurance in e-learning programs.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Define e-learning and distinguish it from traditional and blended learning models.

      • Identify major theories and approaches that inform online learning design.

      • Evaluate key technologies and tools that enhance digital learning experiences.

      • Reflect on the opportunities and challenges of implementing e-learning in various educational contexts.

      The lecture will combine short demonstrations, discussions, and collaborative activities to help students experience e-learning principles in practice.


  • Week 4. Teaching and learning for employability

    • Lecture 4 Файл

      This lecture focuses on how teaching and learning can be strategically designed to enhance students’ employability and prepare them for the evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce. Employability is not limited to gaining a job—it encompasses developing transferable skills, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning abilities.

      Students will explore key frameworks for employability in higher education, such as the skills agenda, graduate attributes, and work-integrated learning. The session examines how curriculum design, assessment strategies, and pedagogical approaches—such as project-based learning, reflective practice, and collaboration with industry—can help learners connect theory with professional practice.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Define the concept of employability and understand its dimensions in education.

      • Identify effective teaching and learning approaches that support skill development and career readiness.

      • Analyze examples of curriculum and assessment practices that enhance employability.

      • Reflect on how educators can foster partnerships between academia and the workplace.

      The lecture includes case studies, discussion of international employability frameworks, and reflective tasks that encourage students to connect employability outcomes with their own educational practice.


  • Week 5. Supporting student learning

    • Lecture 5 Файл

      This lecture examines the diverse ways educators can support student learning effectively across different educational contexts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding learners’ needs, backgrounds, and motivations to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Students will explore key theories of learning support, including scaffolding, formative feedback, and learner autonomy, as well as practical strategies to enhance engagement and achievement.

      The lecture highlights the role of academic advising, mentoring, peer support, and digital tools in fostering student success. Attention will also be given to emotional, social, and cognitive aspects of learning support—recognizing that effective teaching involves both intellectual and pastoral care.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Explain the principles and importance of supporting diverse learners.

      • Identify effective strategies for providing academic, social, and emotional support.

      • Apply models of scaffolding and feedback to enhance student learning outcomes.

      • Reflect on their own role in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

      Interactive discussions, reflective activities, and case studies will enable participants to connect theory with their own teaching and learning experiences.


  • Week 6. Assessing student learning

    • Lecture 6 Файл

      This lecture explores the principles, purposes, and practices of assessing student learning in higher education. Assessment is a vital component of the teaching and learning process—it not only measures achievement but also shapes how and what students learn. Students will examine different types of assessment, including formative, summative, diagnostic, and authentic assessment, and consider how each supports learning in distinct ways.

      The session introduces key concepts such as validity, reliability, transparency, and fairness in assessment design. We will also discuss contemporary approaches, including assessment for learning, feedback literacy, and the use of digital tools for online assessment.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Understand the purposes and principles of effective assessment in education.

      • Distinguish between various forms and methods of assessment.

      • Design assessment tasks that align with intended learning outcomes and promote deep learning.

      • Provide constructive and timely feedback to support student development.

      Practical examples, case studies, and reflective discussions will help students critically evaluate assessment practices and consider how to enhance assessment strategies in their own teaching contexts.


  • Week 7. Supervising projects and dissertations

    • Lecture 7 Файл

      This lecture focuses on the principles, practices, and challenges of supervising student research projects and dissertations in higher education. Effective supervision is a complex professional skill that involves guiding students through the research process—from topic selection and proposal development to data analysis and final writing—while fostering independence, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

      Students will explore key aspects of the supervisor–student relationship, including communication, feedback, motivation, and ethical considerations. The lecture will also address strategies for managing time, setting realistic expectations, and supporting students with diverse needs and research backgrounds.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Understand the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and supervisees.

      • Apply effective strategies for supporting students at different stages of research.

      • Provide constructive feedback that promotes critical inquiry and academic writing skills.

      • Recognize and address ethical, emotional, and practical challenges in supervision.

      Through case studies, reflective discussions, and examples of good supervisory practice, participants will develop the confidence and insight needed to guide successful student research projects and dissertations.


  • Week 8. Teaching quality, standards, enhancement and School leadership models

    • Lecture 8 Файл

      This lecture explores the interconnected themes of teaching quality, educational standards, continuous enhancement, and leadership within schools and higher education institutions. It examines how teaching quality is defined, measured, and improved through reflective practice, professional development, and institutional quality assurance systems. Students will engage with international and national frameworks for maintaining and enhancing quality in education.

      The session also introduces key leadership models—including instructional, transformational, distributed, and participative leadership—and examines how these approaches influence teaching quality, staff motivation, and school improvement. Attention will be given to how leaders foster cultures of collaboration, innovation, and accountability while balancing policy demands and local needs.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Define and evaluate the concepts of teaching quality and educational standards.

      • Analyze approaches to quality enhancement and assurance in educational settings.

      • Compare and contrast major models of educational leadership and their impact on teaching and learning.

      • Reflect on the role of leadership in promoting continuous improvement and educational excellence.

      Through case studies, group discussions, and reflective tasks, participants will connect theories of quality enhancement and leadership with real-world educational practices.


  • Week 9. Teaching in the disciplines & Key aspects of learning and teaching in sciences (mathematics, chemistry, biology, computing)

    • Lecture 9 Файл

      This lecture explores discipline-specific approaches to teaching and learning, with a focus on the sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, biology, and computing. Effective teaching in these disciplines requires understanding both the nature of the subject matter and how students learn within that field. The lecture examines key principles of disciplinary pedagogy, including inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, experimentation, and computational thinking.

      Students will explore strategies to foster conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and practical skills through laboratory work, simulations, group projects, and technology-enhanced learning. Attention will also be given to assessment methods tailored to scientific learning, including formative feedback, practical reports, and project-based evaluation.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Understand the characteristics of effective teaching in various scientific disciplines.

      • Apply discipline-specific teaching strategies to promote deep learning and engagement.

      • Design learning activities that integrate theory, practice, and experimentation.

      • Reflect on challenges and opportunities in teaching science subjects in diverse educational contexts.

      The lecture will include case studies, examples of good practice, and interactive discussions to help participants connect pedagogical theory with practical teaching approaches in the sciences.


  • Week 10. Lecturing to large & small groups

    • Lecture 10 Файл

      This lecture explores strategies and best practices for effective teaching in both large and small group settings. The session emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods, communication styles, and learning activities to suit group size, subject matter, and learner needs.

      Students will examine techniques to engage learners, maintain attention, and encourage participation in large lectures, including the use of multimedia, interactive questioning, and structured activities. For small group teaching, the lecture will cover approaches that promote discussion, collaboration, problem-solving, and personalized feedback.

      By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

      • Identify the challenges and opportunities of teaching in large versus small groups.

      • Apply strategies to maximize learner engagement and interaction in different group settings.

      • Utilize technological and pedagogical tools to support both large-scale and intimate learning environments.

      • Reflect on their own practice to enhance teaching effectiveness across group sizes.

      The lecture includes demonstrations, case studies, and practical exercises to help participants design and deliver teaching sessions that are engaging, inclusive, and pedagogically sound, regardless of class size.