This special issue is devoted to student support practices in higher education and the way in which teaching staff implement them. The democratisation of higher education and diversification of student profiles have forced higher education teachers to change their teaching practices to cater for these new students. Student-centered approaches are now competing with lectures. The aim of student support is not only to prevent students from dropping out but also to allow them to construct a personal education pathway. Finally, support practices are also provided to assist teachers with their professional development.
This issue focuses specifically on three kinds of practices: student learning support, comprehensive student support and teacher support. It also proposes a taxonomy of student and teacher support practices in higher education.