The Swedish History of Higher Education Pedagogy.

In the last two decades pedagogical concerns usually associated with schools, such as teacher education and educational theory, have become a central concern also for universities. This project is a study of the historical background of this development since the 1950s.

It deals with (1) political hopes and ambitions that at various times have been linked to higher education pedagogy (högskolepedagogik); (2) the reception and development of ideas in higher education research and (3) practical activities, such as courses and development projects, through which higher education pedagogy has contributed to reforming higher education.

Higher education pedagogy is a contested part of the university: on the one hand it is subject to high political hopes, on the other hand critics see it as a symptom of managerialism and “schoolification”.

Despite its increasing importance and its controversial status, it has not yet been subject to systematic historical research.

The aim of the project is to produce a nuanced understanding of higher education pedagogy, which contributes both to research and to the public discussion about the university.

The project is situated at the University of Gothenburg and is conducted by Susanne Dodillet and Sverker Lundin 2022-2024.