The Centre for Teaching and Learning of the University of West Attica successfully organized its inaugural awareness and information online seminar titled “University Pedagogy and Student-Centred Learning”. The event took place on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, from 13:00 to 15:00 via MS Teams platform.
The seminar commenced with an introduction by Mr. P. Kaldis, the Rector of the University of West Attica. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and utilizing pedagogical tools to optimize learning outcomes and foster employability skills across all study cycles. Following this, Ms. E. Papageorgiou, the Vice Rector of Academic and Student Affairs, underscored the significance of recognizing teaching in higher education, which often receives less attention compared to research work. These opening speeches already highlighted the importance of establishing a Centre for Teaching and Learning. Subsequently, Mr. Y. Psaromiligkos, the President of the Steering Committee of the Centre of Teaching & Learning of the University of West Attica outlined the objectives, vision, and forthcoming initiatives of the Centre.
The keynote speakers of the 1st seminar were Ms. K. Kedraka and Mr. Karalis, who serve as coordinators of CTLs at the Democritus University of Thrace and the University of Patras respectively. Their insightful presentations set the stage for the seminar by delving into the fundamental concepts of teaching and learning. They also explored the realm of University Pedagogy in great detail, emphasizing the core principles and objectives of student-centered learning. A crucial aspect that they highlighted was the notion of emerging adulthood, which refers to the transitional phase between adolescence and adulthood. Understanding the characteristics of this learner group and the pedagogical demands it entails is essential for effective teaching. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the challenges and requirements faced by lecturers in both domestic and international university institutions was conducted. This examination aimed to underscore the necessity for their professional and personal development. To address this pressing need, the seminar shed light on the growing prominence of Centres of Teaching and Learning in leading Higher Education Institutions worldwide. Additionally, they showcased the increasing scientific interest in matters pertaining to University Pedagogy. The session also provided an overview of the CTL Network’s activities in Greece, outlining the key elements of its structure that foster horizontal interconnection among all the Centres. The ultimate objective of this interconnectedness is to enhance the quality of teaching and, consequently, improve learning outcomes.
In conclusion, the issues that were addressed during the workshop were thoroughly discussed. Following the presentations, the following topics were discussed: a) the key factors that will contribute to the widespread acceptance of the CTL philosophy and its effective implementation, b) the various approaches to incorporating digital technologies in teaching, c) the enhancement of the status of teaching, on par with research work, and d) the efficient management of time, content, and human resources within academia.
You can watch the 1st seminar in Greek on Center for Teaching & Learning @ UniWA youtube channel: