In academia, the teaching versus research mindset is common, yet it’s also deeply flawed. The belief that you have to choose between being a “good teacher” and a “serious researcher” creates unnecessary division. But the truth is, you can excel in both areas by developing effective strategies that balance your career and personal well-being.
The Myth of the Dichotomy
In many departments, there’s a division between those focused on teaching and those focused on research. This is especially true in departments with a lot of precarity—where short-term contracts for teaching staff dominate. These teaching-focused academics often feel they have to prove their worth by dedicating themselves exclusively to teaching, fearing that research will not lead to career advancement. This creates a toxic environment, where teaching and research are seen as opposing forces.
At the same time, there’s a growing narrative that those who prioritise research are somehow morally inferior. The idea is that “good” academics care about students and teaching, while “bad” ones focus on research and are seen as out of touch with student needs. This idea not only creates division within departments, but it also fosters guilt for those who enjoy research but care deeply about teaching.
Teaching and Research: Different But Not Opposing
In reality, the ability to be an effective teacher and an accomplished researcher is not only possible, it’s essential for academic success. The misconception that these two roles are mutually exclusive needs to be dismantled. Teaching is vital to the academic experience, but research is equally important to career progression, particularly for those on teaching and research contracts.
As an academic, you can be committed to both teaching and research without compromising one for the other. In fact, when managed properly, these roles can complement each other, and research-informed teaching can benefit both the students and the academic’s career.
The Real Challenge: Efficiency, Not Morality
The key to succeeding in both areas is efficiency. It’s not about spending endless hours in preparation or research but learning how to optimise your time. Over-preparing for classes or constantly revising content is a sign of imposter syndrome, not good teaching practice. Teaching the same course for years should not involve reinventing the wheel every time. Once you've prepared your materials, there's no need to go back and read everything again before each class.
Efficient teaching means focusing on student outcomes and their intellectual growth rather than obsessing over the amount of time spent preparing. The same applies to research. Effective research doesn’t require working endlessly without breaks; it requires structured and focused effort.
Setting Boundaries: Time Management for Both
To balance teaching and research, setting clear boundaries is essential. As an academic, you must protect your time and energy to ensure that both teaching and research get the attention they deserve. Establish non-negotiable writing and research time, and be strict about not letting teaching-related tasks spill over into that time.
Likewise, when it comes to teaching, manage your workload so it doesn’t overwhelm you. Be strategic about how you allocate your teaching hours and find ways to streamline administrative tasks. The more you manage your time effectively, the more you can focus on producing quality work in both areas.
Aligning Teaching and Research
When possible, try to align your research with your teaching. This creates a seamless experience where your research feeds into your teaching, and vice versa. Not only does this make your workload more manageable, but it also enhances the quality of both. If you can teach your research area, you’ll remain engaged with the field and stay motivated to keep up with the latest developments. This alignment allows you to stay productive in both areas without overextending yourself.
Conclusion: Efficiency, Not Perfection
The myth of the teaching versus research dichotomy needs to be broken down. You can be a committed teacher and a dedicated researcher without compromising either role. The secret to balancing both is efficiency, strategic time management, and a mindset that values both aspects equally.
By learning to manage your time and energy, setting boundaries, and aligning your research with your teaching, you can excel in both areas and build a fulfilling academic career.
It’s not about choosing between teaching and research. With the right strategies, you can succeed in both and achieve balance in your academic career.