Faculty at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) convened at the 24-hour Library for a Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) book review session that sparked thoughtful reflection on the enduring principles of effective teaching in an increasingly digital academic environment.
The session centered on McKeachie’s Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers, a widely respected pedagogical text authored by Wilbert J. McKeachie and his colleagues. Long regarded as a foundational resource in higher education, the book has shaped teaching practices for generations of educators through its emphasis on discussion-based learning, lecturing strategies, and classroom engagement.
Leading the review, Professor Yusuf Aboki of the School of Law described the text as a cornerstone reference for educators, particularly in its exploration of practical teaching methods and the psychology of learning.
While participants acknowledged the book’s enduring value, the discussion also turned to its limitations in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. First introduced in 1953 and last substantially updated in 1994, many faculty members noted that several of its classroom examples and instructional scenarios no longer fully reflect the realities of teaching in 2026.
“Old age has caught up with the book,” Prof. Aboki observed, pointing to the profound shifts in teaching and learning brought about by digital transformation, new learning technologies, and changing student behaviors.
Despite these concerns, faculty agreed that the text’s core pedagogical principles remain highly relevant. Particular emphasis was placed on its treatment of how students learn, retain knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills beyond the demands of examinations.
Prof. Aboki stressed that effective education must go beyond rote memorization, emphasizing the need for learning experiences that equip students to apply knowledge meaningfully throughout their academic and professional lives.
The session concluded with an engaging discussion on student participation, active learning, and the need for continuous assessment reform. Several faculty members expressed interest in adapting the book’s reflective and student-centered exercises into their own teaching practices as part of a broader shift away from content-heavy instructional models.
The review ultimately reinforced a central message that resonates strongly with AUN’s mission: while technology continues to transform the classroom, the purpose of teaching remains constant , to cultivate critical thinking, active engagement, and lifelong intellectual growth.
At a university committed to leadership development, innovation, and service, the conversation underscored the importance of continuously reimagining pedagogy to meet the needs of today’s learners while preserving the timeless values of excellent teaching.
Reported by Usman Muhammad Gidado