The Role of Centers of Teaching and Learning in Supporting Higher Education Students Learning

Abstract

This paper studies the Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTL) of the 100 top Universities in the world and investigates their role and services. The vast majority of these Centers is located in educational institutions of the US, the UK, Australia and Canada. CTL services cover many areas and target several portions of the university population. They try to meet contemporary requirements and aim to enhance teaching, learning and research processes. They usually do not restrict their fields of activities to teaching staff (faculty members, post-graduate students), extending them to students and research staff as well. Literature review indicates that the main areas in which students face difficulties and need help are: the pace of study, academic and study skills, some psychological factors, active participation in learning and self-directed learning. As a result, to help learning and enhance academic success, CTLs try to offer activities that boost academic skills (studying strategies and productivity enhancement), acceptable academic behavior, digital skills and general support and guidance.