Teaching-learning as a multifaceted٫ complex and dynamic issue including processes that are considered in the academic system to achieve the basic goals. In this way٫ various models and frameworks have been developed to describe, analyze, and explicate this issue. However, lack of consensus in clarifying teachinglearning and the numerous approaches and models, which are mostly non-native, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of this issue and on the other hand, indicating call for expanding frameworks in teaching-learning, in particular in the realm of higher education. The present study is an attempt to explore the meta-synthesis of teaching-learning patterns and frame works with a complex adoptive system approach. To this end, relevant criteria of teaching-learning based on the complex adoptive system approach were considered and expressed in the form of a meta-synthesis of the research literature. This study clarified teaching-learning in higher education based on the components such as organizational structure, human factors (teacher-learner), environment, capacity and efficiency in the complex adoptive system approach. The findings may provide a suitable platform for description, analysis, and evaluation of teaching-learning in the realm of higher education. Key words: Teaching-learning, Higher education, System approach, Complex adoptive system approach, Meta-synthesis