Dissemination of Innovations in Higher Education: A Change Theory Approach

It is argued that the major reason for the atleast partial failure in the dissemination ofteaching innovations lies in theuni-directional approach used and the relianceon dissemination through education, both ofwhich are in conflict with well establishedchange theory, which is outlined. The paperdemonstrates how the Enterprise in HigherEducation Initiative (EHE), using this theoryat least in part serendipidously, succeeded andlists the crucial and rare features of EHEwhich made it successful as an agent ofdissemination. Two other successfullydisseminated teaching initiatives are analysedfor their special features which led tosuccess, but which it would be difficult togeneralise. Recommendations are made for aradical change in the approach todissemination, based on the lessons learnedfrom EHE: in particular, to involve bothinstitutions and Departments, as well as otherrelevant agencies, both inside and outsideuniversities, and to appoint `Higher EducationAdvisers'.