Innovative Teaching and Learning in a Globalised Competitive Market

Higher education is a competitive market. Politicians of all political persuasions have diversified their views on higher education in recent years. Historically, universities have been perceived as knowledge exchange creators, producing graduates for the globalized economic world. During key social and economic crisis points in history, whether the financial crisis of 2008 or the COVID-19 pandemic, universities have played a pivotal role in providing support and innovation in a complex globalised world. Events such as these crises have forced universities to step up the quality of their research, teaching and learning. Students who attend universities today are customers who expect the highest levels of quality in teaching and learning. Students expect a clear, professional career development path into the job market. In response to the challenges presented by COVID-19, higher education requires educators to be responsive to the needs of the student community in an increasingly performance driven culture, ensuring that graduates of today have the skills and capabilities to respond to the challenges of tomorrow.

The authors of this chapter will critically explore the importance of higher education in a globalised world, examining the complexities of teaching and learning in a contemporary context. Throughout the chapter, the authors will present case-study evidence of teaching and learning in a virtual learning environment, and highlight best practice examples that can be used in the future. The authors will also illustrate how a distinct conceptual framework can enhance and inform pedagogical practice that integrates society, the institution, and knowledge in order for higher education institutes to fulfil an effective role in delivering quality education that is fit for purpose. The discussions presented here foster earlier pedagogical research by the authors (see Snowden and Halsall, 2019; Halsall and Snowden, 2017).