University Didactics as a New Approach to Coping with New Millenium Challenges in Higher Education

Traditional definition of didactics raises two problems: first, it is reconceptualized around the teaching contents. Second, it is influenced by the concept of curriculum professionals’ perspectives. In this paper, the need for reconstruction of the didactics and pedagogy to meet the demands of higher education institutions in the 21st century is covered. The main challenges of Iranian universities and the possible practical strategies are enumerated. Finally, it is suggested that university didactics, as a new approach, should be adopted in higher education to face the recent challenges and demands. Of course, these suggestions only represent one possibility among the many options that fit, which must be considered in the light of each particular historical-social context, without losing sight of the multiple scenarios that prevail in each educational institution: its specific culture, the available resources, existing circumstances, pedagogical traditions, working conditions, the tendency to innovate and improve, etc. It is recognized that educational change is a complex but possible process which requires a considerable investment of energy, as well as a good dose of commitment, support and enthusiasm on the part of all those involved.