Introduction

This volume of the Key Guides for Effective Teaching in Higher Education series is of critical importance to any discussion of learning and teaching in universities. Yet it is one of the most complex to address well. The main purpose of the volume is to encourage staff who are relatively new to higher education teaching (new lecturers, learning support staff or postgraduates who teach) to think through their teaching and carry it out in a manner that will minimise the risk of any student being disadvantaged for reasons beyond his or her control. The notion of fair treatment is explored throughout the text.