Shifts and Transformations in Canadian Postsecondary Teaching and Learning: Views from Teaching and Learning Centre Leaders

Teaching and learning centres (TLCs) play a critical role in helping universities advance their strategic priorities related to teaching and learning. TLC leaders have a comprehensive lens that provides insights to help academic institutions move forward in addressing the shifts we are experiencing in postsecondary education. The purpose of this project was to conduct an environmental scan that broadly explores the shifts, transformations, and changes that TLCs are experiencing at Canada’s U15 institutions (large, leading research-intensive universities). We summarized these shifts, grounded key themes in scholarly research, and included recommendations to guide the work of TLCs and postsecondary institutions now and into the future. Teaching and learning centre leaders from U15 institutions (n=22) participated in semi-structured interviews over the fall and winter of 2024/25. Our themes surfaced from guiding questions that identified emerging and enduring shifts and transformations, the impact of these shifts, key priorities, and how to best strengthen postsecondary teaching and learning across institutions. Seven areas of focus for TLCs emerged, which are all grounded in and echoed by relevant academic literature: reflecting value; academic innovation and transformation; Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation; equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; learning-focused; strategic priorities, planning, and resources; and, connecting, leadership, and well-being. These seven areas of focus informed our recommendations. TLCs play a critical role in addressing the challenges and changes affecting teaching and learning in post-secondary settings, now and into the future. There is a need for both academic transformation and relational transformation to address future priorities in higher education. TLCs should foreground strategic and relational academic leadership that commits to an ethos of compassion and care for those connected across the teaching and learning landscape. We hope this discussion paper will inspire dialogue amongst Canada’s postsecondary leaders, teaching and learning centres, and the broader academic community to enhance the work of TLCs and strengthen the quality of teaching and learning across institutions.