Staff from SETU recently travelled to the University of Zadar in Croatia, an EU-CONEXUS partner university, to attend a training session titled 'Innovative, Personalised, Student-Oriented, & Inclusive Learning Environments.'
The event, which took place from 11-13 June 2024, is part of the EU-CONEXUS Teaching Academy training programme. It was attended by members of the academic staff from EU-CONEXUS partner universities, who shared valuable experiences and insights.
Personalised learning environments
SETU was represented by Clare Martin, Learning Technologist at the Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning, and Deirdre Grant, Dance & Theatre Lecturer in the Department of Arts. The training focused on creating personalised learning environments that cater to diverse student needs and empower them to maximize their success. Participants engaged with both theoretical frameworks and practical examples, exploring adaptive learning environments based on varied learning styles and concepts.
Interest in inclusivity in education
Clare Martin commented on the benefits of the training, noting her keen interest in inclusivity in education. She found the session excellent for providing both information and practical tools to ensure education is a secure and inclusive environment. Techniques learned included making material more accessible and inclusive, both in the classroom and through technology-enhanced learning.
Inclusive teaching strategies
Deirdre Grant reflected on the personal impact of the training, highlighting the opportunity to evaluate her own inclusive teaching strategies within an international context. She appreciated the academic discussions as well as the immersion in the social and cultural aspects of the host country. This experience gave her a renewed sense of confidence in her teaching abilities.
Participants of the EU-CONEXUS Teaching Academy receive a certificate and are required to run a training workshop to share the material with their colleagues at SETU. The goal of the Teaching Academy is to adapt and implement the learnings across the partner universities. The training will be run during the next academic year.
About EU-CONEXUS
EU-CONEXUS is a fully-fledged transnational European University offering joint education, training and study programmes, joint research and professional development opportunities for all staff, researchers, and students.
SETU is a partner of the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance on Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability with La Rochelle University, France; Catholic University of Valencia, Spain; University of Zadar, Croatia; Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; Frederick University, Cyprus; Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, Romania; Klaipeda University, Lithuania and University of Rostock, Germany.
EU-CONEXUS is themed on 'Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability,' focusing education, research & innovation, and knowledge-sharing activities on defining, understanding, and addressing societal challenges experienced by communities from urban and semi-urbanised coastal regions (rivers, seas, and oceans).
Further details can be found on the EU-CONEXUS website, tap here
Inset image (L-R): Deirdre Grant and Clare Martin