British Academy commissions research into teaching excellence in the humanities and social sciences

The British Academy has commissioned a series of case studies on teaching excellence in the humanities and social sciences (HSS).

This timely research, following the proposal in the government's Higher Education Green Paper to develop a 'Teaching Excellence Framework' (TEF), will begin by assessing various existing definitions of 'excellence' in teaching in HSS across UK universities through a literature review and online survey. The team of researchers led by King's College London will then produce 14 case studies which will showcase examples of different kinds of teaching excellence.

Professor Roger Kain FBA, the Academy's Vice President for Research and Higher Education, said "The way we value teaching is crucial and what constitutes 'excellence' across HSS needs to be better understood, especially in the context of the proposed TEF. Through this project, the British Academy will be able to offer a positive narrative about teaching excellence in our disciplines that will help advance this debate."

The Academy will publish the research findings in Autumn 2016.