Change and continuity in a teaching and learning centre over 50 years

The MacPherson Institute from 1972-2022 at McMaster University

Abstract

McMaster University’s teaching and learning centre, known today as the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching, opened its doors in 1972 and marked its 50th anniversary in 2022. Based on a review of textual records and guidance from two institute directors, the chapter illustrates how the institute has enacted four strategies for encouraging culture change in teaching and learning: (a) rational planning, (b) social interaction, (c) human problem-solving, and (d) use of political power. We also track how debate about the appropriate role and focus of the teaching and learning centre has caused a pendulum to swing between several poles: (a) between a micro focus on the expressed needs of individual educators and a macro focus on systemic institutional change, (b) between prioritization of local service delivery and an international reputation for innovative research into teaching and learning and (c) between facilitation of change behind the scenes and pursuit of greater recognition. We reflect on why it might be important to know our history, particularly the problematic capitalist and settler colonial interests that initially funded the institute, and what this history teaches us. We end by amplifying the importance of vision, focus, and acting on areas of historical neglect as the institute plans for the future.