How to Improve as a Teacher in Higher Education

After more than three decades in engineering education, I've learned that effective teaching is a craft that requires continuous refinement. Here are insights and strategies that have helped me grow as an educator.

The Foundation: Knowing Your Subject

Deep Knowledge

• Stay current: Read journals, attend conferences, follow industry trends
• Practical experience: Engage in consultancy and industry projects
• Research active: Your research enriches your teaching
• Cross-disciplinary awareness: Connect your subject to related fields

Translating Knowledge to Teaching

• Simplify complex concepts without losing rigor
• Use real-world examples from your experience
• Connect theory to practical applications
• Acknowledge what you don't know—model lifelong learning

Understanding Your Students

Know Their Background

• Entry knowledge: Assess prerequisites at semester start
• Learning styles: Some prefer visual, others hands-on
• Motivations: Career goals, interests, concerns
• Challenges: Personal, academic, or resource-related

Build Relationships

• Learn names—it makes a difference
• Be approachable during and outside class
• Show genuine interest in their success
• Respect their perspectives and questions

Effective Teaching Strategies

Preparation

Activity	Time Investment
Content review	30%
Example preparation	25%
Activity planning	25%
Assessment design	20%

Classroom Delivery

1. Start Strong: Capture attention in the first 5 minutes
2. Chunk Content: 15-20 minute segments with breaks
3. Interactive Elements: Questions, discussions, activities
4. Visual Aids: Diagrams, demonstrations, simulations
5. Summarize: Key takeaways at the end

Engagement Techniques

• Think-Pair-Share: Individual thinking, peer discussion, class sharing
• Problem-Based Learning: Real engineering problems as teaching tools
• Demonstrations: Show, don't just tell
• Industry Cases: Current applications and challenges

Embracing Technology

Effective Tools

• Presentation software: Beyond bullet points—use animations wisely
• Simulation software: Virtual labs and modeling
• Learning Management Systems: Organized resources and communication
• Video content: Flipped classroom potential

Blended Learning

• Pre-class: Readings, videos, preliminary exercises
• In-class: Discussion, problem-solving, clarification
• Post-class: Practice, assessment, reflection

Assessment That Improves Learning

Formative Assessment

• Quick quizzes at the start of class
• One-minute papers at the end
• Peer assessment activities
• Self-assessment exercises

Summative Assessment

• Align with learning objectives
• Variety: exams, projects, presentations
• Clear rubrics shared in advance
• Timely, constructive feedback

Professional Growth

Continuous Learning

• Pedagogical training: FDPs on teaching methodologies
• Peer observation: Learn from colleagues
• Student feedback: Take it seriously, act on it
• Reflective practice: Journal your teaching experiences

Avoiding Burnout

• Set boundaries between work and personal life
• Find joy in small successes
• Connect with supportive colleagues
• Remember why you chose teaching

The Mentorship Role

Beyond Classroom Teaching

• Guide research projects meaningfully
• Career counseling and industry connections
• Character development and values
• Support during challenges

Creating Independent Learners

• Encourage questions, not just answers
• Teach problem-solving approaches
• Foster critical thinking
• Promote self-directed learning

Measuring Your Effectiveness

Indicators of Success

• Student learning outcomes (not just grades)
• Alumni achievements and feedback
• Peer recognition and collaboration requests
• Personal satisfaction and growth

Seeking Feedback

• Anonymous student evaluations
• Peer teaching observations
• Self-video review
• Exit interviews with graduating students

Final Thoughts

Great teaching is not about being perfect—it's about being present, prepared, and genuinely committed to student success. The best teachers I've known share these qualities:

• Humility: Always learning, admitting mistakes
• Patience: Understanding that learning takes time
• Enthusiasm: Genuine passion for their subject
• Empathy: Remembering what it was like to be a student
• Integrity: Walking the talk in all aspects

Teaching is among the most rewarding professions. Every student whose life you touch carries a part of your legacy forward.

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In 34 years of teaching, I've learned more from my students than I could have imagined. The best teachers remain students forever.