The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) often focuses on identifying gaps, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in higher education. While this is undeniably valuable, it is equally important to ask: what are we already doing right? We used a strengths-based approach to identify and celebrate our teaching practices that students already appreciate. By recognising what is already working, we can ensure that future innovations and improvements build upon a strong foundation, without unintentionally discarding effective practices.

If we want to know what is working for students, who better to ask than our students? So, students over to you… What are teaching staff doing right?

WHAT DID WE FIND?

Our Leximancer analysis revealed five dominant themes in student feedback, each representing a crucial element of effective teaching:

1. Real-World Relevance – Students highly value the integration of practical applications, case studies, and real-life examples into their learning. They appreciate when theoretical concepts are linked to real-world scenarios, making learning more meaningful and applicable to their careers.

2. Active Learning – Engaging students in discussions, group work, and hands-on activities enhances their learning experience. Participation in problem-solving exercises and interactive tasks fosters deeper understanding and retention.

3. Clarity in Teaching – Clear communication and well-structured explanations are essential. Students appreciate when complex concepts are broken down into simple, digestible components using effective teaching aids and relatable examples.

4. Expert Knowledge – The depth of subject matter expertise displayed by lecturers significantly impacts student learning. Beyond just delivering content, students value when educators share additional insights, connect theory with practice, and demonstrate mastery of their field.

5. Collaborative Learning – Group projects, peer discussions, and teamwork contribute to an enriched learning environment. Students find value in opportunities to work together, present their ideas, and develop essential collaboration skills.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

These findings offer valuable takeaways for educators striving to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Here are some practical steps:

• Incorporate real-world examples into lectures and assessments to improve relevance.
• Use interactive teaching methods such as case studies and problem-solving activities to foster engagement.
• Prioritise clear and structured explanations, ensuring students can follow complex concepts easily.
• Showcase subject expertise while making connections between theory and practice.
• Encourage collaborative learning opportunities through group discussions and projects.

MOVING FORWARD

As universities continue to focus on student engagement and learning quality, feedback-driven research like this plays a crucial role in refining teaching practices. By listening to student voices and embracing evidence-based improvements, educators can enhance the overall learning experience. However, as an educator, it is up to you to actively integrate these insights into your teaching strategies. Consider reflecting on your own teaching:

- Are you already incorporating these strengths?

-  How can you enhance them further?

By making intentional adjustments and reinforcing effective strategies, you can create a more engaging and impactful learning environment for your students. We encourage you all to embrace what you are doing well and refine your approaches to make an even greater impact on student learning!

What do you think? How do these themes align with your experiences in higher education? What resonated with you and, equally important, what surprised you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Project contributors:

• Lara Molendijk
• Dr. Nirosha (Dilhani) Kapu Arachchilage
• Dr. Anna Golab

Banner image generated using ChatGTP