Effective Higher Education Pedagogy: The Power of Responsiveness, Respect, and Care

• In Event: 29.045 - Teaching and Learning for Social Justice

Abstract

This paper emphasizes how respect, responsiveness, and care for students are important aspects of effective undergraduate instruction as represented in the pedagogy of the observed instructors. This qualitative study stems from a larger study conducted at a Southeastern research university focusing on 10 higher education faculty members who have won undergraduate teaching awards. Data sources for each participant included two 45-90 minute interviews, three hours of observations, and review of the course syllabus and assignments. The findings indicate that instructors attributed their success in teaching to making connections with students, connecting students to the content, while demonstrating respect, responsiveness, and care. Furthermore, instructors did not utilize one “best” method to meet the needs of diverse student populations.

Authors

• Natalie Marie Khoury Ridgewell, University of Florida

• Christian E. Legler, University of Florida

• Rachelle Curcio, University of Florida

• Dorene D. Ross, University of Florida