Academic teaching is a comprehensive, research-based textbook on teaching and learning in higher education. It is written from the perspective of teachers engaged in teaching and learning practices in higher education in Sweden. The book offers teachers an opportunity to reflect on their own teaching practices using the following and similar questions:

• What factors promote learning in higher education?

How do I form my pedagogical philosophy and how can I put my ideas into practice?

• How do I base my teaching on my students and their needs?

• How can I vary teaching activities and assessment in order to promote learning?

How can I develop my pedagogical skills in the interplay with students and colleagues?

Academic teaching aims to contribute to an integrated perspective without reducing the complexity of higher education. It provides teachers with support on their journey towards greater knowledge, personal development, broadened pedagogical competence and increased awareness.

Much has changed within academia and society since the previous edition was published, not least in terms of internationalisation, widened recruitment, student influence, the make-up of the teaching collegiate and developments in digital technology, including AI. New research has been integrated and is reflected in numerous new references. This has led to a comprehensive revision of this book which covers all chapters.

The book can be used both in university and higher education teacher training and to develop the competence of individual teachers. It has also been a much-appreciated resource on courses for those responsible for education within various organisations.

Third edition

This book is a translation of the fourth edition of Universitetspedagogik (2025)

Maja Elmgren