Teaching Strategy

Reykjavik University (RU) aims to offer students outstanding education which provides comprehensive knowledge of disciplines; deep understanding of individual components, concepts, and theories; skills in applying methods within a discipline; and the competences required to apply knowledge in studies and in practice. Studies at RU shall consist of diverse teaching and assessment methods, practical assignments, active student participation, integration of the studies to industry and society, and shall furthermore train students in critical thinking, creativity, and independent and ethical methods.

General

  • International and Icelandic standards on learning and teaching shall be fulfilled in the disciplines in which RU has received accreditation.
  • An emphasis shall be placed on small group teaching, active student participation, real-life projects and a practical approach in teaching.
  • The range and structure of study programs at RU shall be regularly reviewed with the aim of maintaining and increasing the quality of the programs; effectively meeting the needs of industry and society; and providing students with a good foundation for employment and further studies.

Quality of learning and teaching

  • RU shall offer challenging studies which provide students with a solid academic foundation, effective training, and competences and skills in applying knowledge.
  • Teaching at RU shall be based on excellent preparation and outstanding knowledge of instructors, with emphasis on  the instructors´ competences and skills in communicating knowledge.
  • Instructors at RU shall show initiative in developing and improving teaching methods and innovation in teaching, and shall furthermore encourage students to work independently and academically.
  • Students shall take responsibility for their own studies through active participation.
  • Learning outcomes of study programs and individual courses shall be regularly reviewed with the aim of ensuring consistency between learning outcomes, teaching methods, and assessment methods, making sure that the knowledge, competences, and skills of students are tested.
  • Teachers shall be familiar with and adhere to the Teaching Quality Handbook.
  • Diverse methods for teaching and assessment shall be applied.
  • Admission requirements at RU shall be in accordance with the University's emphasis on content and quality of education.
  • The number of students per faculty member shall be consistent with what is considered appropriate in leading universities.
  • Instructors and students shall be familiar with and respect the RU Code of Conduct.

Linking research to teaching

  • Students shall receive training in scientific methods.
  • Students shall have an opportunity to participate in scientific research.
  • Instructors shall connect research within their discipline to their teaching.

Interdisciplinary studies and teaching

  • Interdisciplinary study programs and courses shall be offered in order to make students more competent to participate in diverse tasks in industry and society.
  • Instructors shall receive support and encouragement to develop interdisciplinary courses in cooperation with other instructors, both within and outside their School.

Linking teaching to industry and society

  • Practical projects, internships, and problem-based learning shall be offered, and an emphasis placed on relating real-life projects from industry and society to the studies.
  • Teaching shall be enhanced through the participation of instructors from the industry.

International environment of learning and teaching

  • RU shall observe international criteria for teaching, collaborate effectively with leading international universities, and place an emphasis on training students in international communication.
  • Students and instructors at RU shall have the opportunity to study and work in an international environment.

Facilities for learning and teaching

  • The RU premises, services, learning management system, and other elements of the learning environment shall provide a good framework for and effectively support teaching and learning.
  • RU shall actively support instructors in seeking continuing education and training in their field.
  • Instructors shall seek advice on teaching techniques, pedagogical issues, and assessment methods.

Follow-up of quality of learning and teaching

  • The quality of teaching shall be regularly assessed, using diverse methods for evaluating teaching, teaching methods, and course assessment.  The results shall contribute to maintaining and increasing the quality of teaching.
  • When evaluating instructors for promotion to faculty positions, a successful teaching record, participation in continuing education, and innovation in teaching shall be taken into account.
  • Study programs at RU shall be regularly reviewed, both internally by each School and by international assessment committees.

Implementation of the teaching strategy

The RU Curriculum Council, the Teaching Affairs and Registry Department, and the Curriculum Councils in all Schools shall contribute to the advancement of the teaching strategy of RU.

Each year, the Teaching Affairs and Registry Department in cooperation with the RU Curriculum Council compiles a report on teaching and learning at RU where the main indicators for teaching and learning at the university are presented.

                                                                                                                              Approved by RU Executive Committee 31 January 2012

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