Quality teaching matters: perspectives on quality teaching for the modernization of higher education. A position paper

This position paper attempts to ground the discussion on improving the quality of teaching in the context of Higher Education (HE) in order to take concrete directions toward what in the scientific literature is identified as a culture of quality in education. This concept implies an approach to continuing monitoring, reflection and change toward innovation through main stakeholders’ engagement. The paper will hence briefly introduce the policy context and research background at international and national level, in order to analyze the opportunities of implementing a culture of quality regarding teaching at the University of Trento. Furthermore, it will make a number of recommendations for the concrete implementation of the approach. The document is hence divided into the following parts: A first part, introducing the policy context regarding agenda for the modernization of HE in Europe and at international level. In this context, the issue of quality teaching is focused as key element towards better quality of Higher Education. A second part, regarding the importance and forms of innovation in pedagogical approaches in HIgher Education, as well as the conditions of professional development in academic staff regarding better teaching. A third part, consisting on the research carried out by our research unit within the University of Trento, regarding the issue of quality in Higher Education. A fourth part is devoted to introduce recommendations for the implementation of concrete measures and interventions at institutional level.