Thematic reflections on higher education

Abstract

A global paradigm shift is taking place at the beginning of the Twenty‐First Century, which is resulting in massive changes in the frames of reference about the ways of life, work, and society and how they are viewed and organized. This shift is essentially a sweeping set of worldwide changes in the public domain which challenges the prevailing orthodoxies of Western society; specifically, questioning the nature of truth and knowledge. These changes have been described by the use of such terms as post‐industrialism, post‐liberalism, and postmodernity. This changing social world is characterized by economic flexibility, technological complexity, cultural and religious diversity, moral and scientific uncertainty, and national insecurity. The “postmodern” condition, therefore, has implications for the nature and professionalism of teaching. The work of teachers is already changing, owing to the dramatic changes in the world in which they work. This article attempts to identify the impact of postmodernism on the concept and practice of teaching, especially in higher education.