THE ROLE OF DIDACTICS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: BETWEEN TRADITION, CRITIQUE, AND INNOVATION

Abstract

This article explores the concept of university teachers’ didactic competence, its evolution, strategic significance, and integration into higher education practice. The research problem stems from the lack of a clear, systematic, and context-sensitive understanding of didactic competence in Lithuania, which hinders professional development, enhancement of the quality of university studies, and the renewal of academic culture. This leads to the central research question: How is university teachers’ didactic competence conceptualized and integrated into higher education practice? The aim of the study is to examine how didactic competence is conceptualized and integrated into higher education practice, considering paradigm shifts such as technological transformation, cultural diversity, and quality assurance standards.

The article employs methods including scholarly literature and document analysis, comparative review of international models, and critical and reflective analysis grounded in the author’s academic experience. Four key models of didactic competence development are identified: formalized programs, consultation centres, collegial reflection formats, and the doctoral-level integration.

The first section discusses the evolution of the concept of didactics—from Comenius’s universal aspirations to contemporary reflective, contextualized practices. Didactics is presented not only as a methodological discourse, but also as a value-based, culturally sensitive discourse, encompassing the aspects of digital design, emotional safety, and inclusion. It is emphasised that contemporary educators must be capable of reflection, method adaptation, and creating meaningful learning experiences.

The second section compares international models. In Australia, Scandinavia, and France, didactic competence development is integrated into academic careers and is often mandatory. In countries such as the USA, Belgium, and Canada, voluntary participation, mentorship, and collegiality are emphasized. The most effective models are based on trust, collaboration, and contextual relevance rather than regulatory obligation.

The third section presents didactics as a strategic instrument in higher education, influencing the quality of studies, student engagement, and institutional reputation. Although some academic cultures still treat didactics as secondary, research shows that investment in teachers’ didactic preparation correlates with higher indicators of the quality of studies. Didactics is understood as a tool for reflection, helping educators create ethical, inclusive, and contextually responsive learning processes.

The fourth section analyses the Lithuanian context. Despite positive initiatives—competence centres, new guidelines, and implementation of the OECD recommendations—fragmentation and a lack of systemic approach still persist. A comparative analysis of five Lithuanian universities shows that although some institutions offer multidimensional support, it is still an exception. The 2025 project initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport to develop guidelines for the assessment and recognition of didactic competence marks a strategic shift toward systematic enhancement of the quality of university teachers’ competences.

The discussion highlights that while some countries recognize didactic competence as a core element of the university teachers’ professional activity, others still view it as peripheral or even threatening to teacher autonomy. This contrast in approaches reveals a fundamental tension and invites a rethinking of the university’s mission: is it limited to knowledge transmission, or does it also include the responsibility to cultivate an educational culture based on conscious design of the learning process?

Didactic competence should be understood not as a set of technical skills, but as the core of a teacher’s professional identity, a foundation for value-based attitudes and academic community building. It is developed through reflection, collegial learning, and educational research, and its strengthening contributes to cultural transformation in higher education.

The article concludes that didactic competence is a dynamic, contextual, and value-driven phenomenon shaping both the quality of learning and academic culture. Its systematic integration into higher education is essential for ensuring meaningful, inclusive, and high-quality study processes. Didactic competence not only defines pedagogical mastery but also shapes the value climate of higher education, where academic freedom aligns with educational responsibility creating an engaging and learner-centred environment beyond mere knowledge transmission.