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Pedagogical Framework

Zayed University Pedagogical Framework

Female Students

This document presents a comprehensive pedagogical framework to guide teaching in all Zayed University classrooms. The framework is informed by the knowledge-base of experienced ZU educators, by ZU student and faculty surveys, by program and institutional documentation, context-specific research, international research, and theories and best practices in learning and teaching. It guides teaching at Zayed University and directs the actions of the CEI.

Zayed University is committed to fostering a student-centered learning environment that is characterized by the following approach to teaching: 

  • Active and Varied: The ZU faculty member adopts a variety of active teaching-learning strategies, tailored to each learning task and to the intended learning outcomes.
  • Collaborative and Individual: Cooperative group learning tasks, as well as individual learning tasks, are integral to each ZU course.
  • Content-rich and Language-rich: Instruction focuses on the development of in-depth knowledge, along a continuum from richer-in-language in ABP, to richer-in-content in the baccalaureate and graduate programs.
  • Facilitated by Technology: Appropriate educational technology is integrated into every ZU course.
  • Interculturally Attuned: Teaching in ZU requires global awareness, sensitivity to local culture, a commitment to developing intercultural competence, and a commitment to learning from students.
  • Interpersonally Oriented: Successful learning at ZU is facilitated by building positive relationships with students, while maintaining professional demeanour and holding students accountable.
  • Learner focused: The ZU faculty member evaluates and builds on learner knowledge and strengths, while addressing learner needs. 
  • Practical and Theoretical: Instruction lays solid theoretical foundations, as appropriate to the level of study, while having a real-world orientation.
  • Reflective: Instructors strive to be reflective educators who enable reflective and critical learning in students.
  • Supportive: The ZU faculty member fosters student dispositions of leadership, creativity, innovation, self-responsibility, and lifelong learning in a supportive learning environment.

This framework has been developed by a faculty committee and has been approved by university standing committees and governing bodies.