Users in the Driver's Seat: A New Approach to Classifying Teaching Methods in a University Repository

This article argues for a new, user-driven process of developing a classification for teaching methods. First, a previous literature review is summarized that verified the need for a classification of teaching methods. Then, types of classifications are introduced with their characteristics and typical uses in regard to the maturity of knowledge domains. After shortly reflecting the maturity of the knowledge domain “teaching methods”, former classifications’ approaches to mapping this knowledge domain are examined. We argue that previous classifications focused on analyzing the content and did not take user perspectives into account. In the third part of the article, a case study at the University of Vienna is presented. There, twelve representatives of four stakeholder groups were interviewed to determine their needs for organizing teaching method related objects in a repository. Interview results along with considerations on technology and knowledge domain suggested developing a facets classification at the University.