Bridging the gap between teaching and research: Voices of university professors

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the perception of university teachers about research and its link with university teaching. A qualitative methodology was adopted and a semi-structured interview was used for data collection. The sample consisted of 10 university teachers. The results were systematized in two categories: “pedagogical practices and approaches” and “research and teaching development”. These categories cover the essential dimensions related to university teaching, such as methodology, attitude and professional growth of the teacher, and the underlying research processes, such as inquiry and advancement within the specific field of university teaching. In conclusion, this study reveals the need to implement strategies that link teaching and research from a multidimensional perspective, based on the initiatives that institutions can generate, the commitment of their academics and the results generated in student learning.