The Teaching Environment in Higher Education

This chapter maps the landscape of learning within higher education, and the impact of the physical environment on learning and teaching is considered. There is a discussion of the understanding of excellence in education and the practicalities of achieving this by utilising resources to create situations where students and staff can flourish. A shift in perspective is encouraged with the introduction of the idea that academic work, including teaching and assessment, is like a performance that requires preparation and rehearsal. The teacher is called to be an active participant in teaching and learning processes through engagement, facilitation, and learning. Learning happens everywhere. As thinking, breathing people experience their everyday lives they are exposed to countless situations where learning can happen. In higher education, teachers are privileged to be in a position where students come to learn. They choose to come. Education is required for youths, but applying to continue learning in higher education is a wilful choice made by students, and for teachers this presents a unique opportunity to shape and guide students’ personal and intellectual development.