Research on higher education

Research on higher education is an interdisciplinary and multifaceted field. The Centre for Academic Development conducts research that develops practice for teachers, leaders, students, and academic developers in higher education. Research groups affiliated with the centre are based in various schools at the university.

Ongoing research projects

Academic Hospitality in Interdisciplinary Education (AHIE) studies collaboration in interdisciplinary education through the concept of academic hospitality. The project aims to develop theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of how academic hospitality can promote interdisciplinary learning. It strives to create a platform for teachers, researchers, and other stakeholders to collaboratively create better conditions for interdisciplinary education to thrive. 

How Do We Develop our Teaching Expertise? examines teaching expertise from different perspectives. According to Swedish higher education regulations, all those appointed as lecturers and professors must demonstrate teaching expertise. At Örebro University, this also applies to adjunct lecturers. But what exactly does teaching expertise mean? And how can we develop it? The project draws on surveys in which over seventy teachers, two from each main area at Örebro University, have responded to questions about what teaching expertise means to them, as well as students' nominations of teachers for the student union's teaching award. 

Lessons from Innovative Learning Environments in Higher Education examines how physical spaces can create conditions that either enable or limit learning, as well as contribute new knowledge on how to organize innovative learning environments in higher education. The project is based on both a sociomaterial perspective and institutional logics, exploring how different stakeholders are involved in the development of learning environments in various ways. It includes case studies involving teachers, students, and various governance and support functions within the university. The project aims to provide insights and practical implications for the development of learning environments at the university level.

Research groups 

Interaction and learning in higher education pedagogy practice (ILHP) brings together researchers from the faculties and the Centre for Academic Development with an interest in higher education. The goal is to conduct research on interdisciplinary learning and develop higher education pedagogy. The group promotes collaboration and the exchange of experiences on pedagogical development, sustainable working methods, student learning, interaction, and collegial processes.

Research based education in the health professions conducts research in medical pedagogy for health professions education. The projects focus on clinical reasoning, interprofessional and simulation-based learning, and education in practice. The research approach is practice-relevant, and the methods are adapted to the research questions. A central area is to strengthen and apply research-based knowledge in medical and health education.

Working Papers

The Centre for Academic Development publishes Working Papers to promote research-based discourse on teaching and learning in higher education. The series documents projects initiated by teachers or academic developers within the schools or from the Centre for Academic Development, offering an accessible publication channel.