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Teaching and Learning Centre

Pedagogical competence in higher education

Pedagogical principles

The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) of the Tampere higher education community is a network that brings together pedagogical expertise, and the information and services teachers need. The TLC network promotes the community members’ opportunities to develop and qualify as teachers. TLC supports all those involved in teaching within the higher education community by fostering a sense of community and networking.

The activities of TLC are based on the educational strategy of the higher education community, which emphasizes higher education pedagogy that supports competence, the integration of teaching with new research knowledge, sustainable development, and connections with development and innovation work in collaboration with working life. Additionally, the activities consider the pedagogical guidelines of Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

Figure 1 illustrates the organization of the TLC network. The core team, consisting of representatives from the university and the university of applied sciences, coordinates the operations of the TLC network. The core team works closely with both the network of specialists and the operators. The steering group, composed of representatives from both higher education institutions, guides the network’s operations.

Learner-Centered Approach

Our pedagogical practices are diverse, flexible, and supportive of learning. Our activities support the pedagogical expertise, agency, and development of teaching and guidance staff as members of the expert community at various stages of their careers. We highlight current phenomena in learning and teaching. At the core of our approach is the evolving role of the teacher, which involves the continuous updating of knowledge and skills, collaboration, and the application of pedagogical solutions based on needs. We embrace new technologies and explore their potential to enhance learning. We create engaging new learning opportunities and foster a healthy working community through broad-based expertise, interdisciplinarity, and diverse pedagogical solutions.

Community spirit and Inclusiveness

Our activities are based on collective knowledge creation and sharing. We support teachers in making pedagogically sustainable decisions and acting responsibly. Our community-oriented practices are interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral. We are aware of the multiculturalism and diversity within the community and operate accordingly.

Research-Based Approach and Development

Our pedagogical support is grounded in research on teaching and learning. We monitor current phenomena, the continuous changes in society and the working life, as well as pedagogical research and development. We participate in national and international networks and support involvement in them to promote the pedagogical renewal of the higher education community. We offer teachers and teams opportunities to research their own work, reflect, and engage in pedagogical development.