Connecting traditional and contemporary approaches in higher education

Advantages

Combining traditional and contemporary teaching methods integrates the clarity and structure of lectures with active learning approaches, ensuring systematic coverage of course content while promoting deeper understanding through application. This approach enhances student engagement and motivation by shifting learners from passive listening to solving authentic tasks and collaborating with peers. It also allows instruction to be adapted to diverse learner needs and prior knowledge, while fostering the development of generic competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy.
The incorporation of formative assessment alongside traditional examinations provides more frequent and higher-quality feedback and enables earlier identification of learning difficulties. Furthermore, digital environments increase the accessibility of learning materials, support continuity of learning, and allow for more transparent monitoring of student progress.

Disadvantages

The integration of multiple teaching methods requires careful and time-intensive planning, consistent alignment of learning outcomes, activities, and assessment strategies, as well as increased effort in providing feedback. As a result, the workload for both teachers and students may increase, and without a clearly defined structure there is a risk of fragmented learning experiences and superficial engagement with content.
Such approaches also depend on reliable technological infrastructure and well-developed digital competencies; digital inequality and technical failures can disrupt learning continuity. In addition, the assessment of authentic tasks is often more complex and time-consuming, raising concerns related to academic integrity, data privacy, and fairness of assessment, particularly in large groups. Finally, the excessive use of digital tools may increase cognitive load and distract learners from core learning objectives.