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Description
In order for higher education to respond successfully to the growing economic and societal demands for graduates with knowledge and skills for the 21st century, it is necessary to improve and innovate teaching practices and actively involve students in the learning process. This can be achieved by improved institutional cooperation and knowledge sharing at various levels. The key project impacts are, inter alia, that through increased institutional cooperation and in partnership with teachers and other experts, it develops and tests new, innovative pedagogical practices and active learning environments at two higher education institutions, develops permanent tools and resources for didactic training, developing multipliers, mutual learning of teaching and introducing systemic innovations for active learning at all levels of formal and informal education in higher education. The project directly benefits higher education teachers and professional staff (improved capacity to innovate and create active learning environments) and students (more interaction, agency and ownership in the learning process). Increased cooperation and knowledge from the project indirectly benefits decision-makers (leadership of institutions, policy makers), researchers, the economy and society as a whole.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the neccessity to improve and innovate teaching practices and actively involve students in the learning process in order for higher education to respond successfully to the growing economic and societal demands for graduates with knowledge and skills for the 21st century. This was achieved by improved institutional cooperation and knowledge sharing at various levels.
Through increased institutional cooperation and in partnership with teachers and other experts, the project developed and tested new, innovative pedagogical practices and active learning environments at two higher education institutions, developed permanent tools and resources for didactic training, trained educational staff and offered mutual learning of teaching and introducing systemic innovations for active learning at all levels of formal and informal education in higher education.
The project''s main results include:
- Improved mutual learning and institutional collaboration with the Norwegian higher education institution and other stakeholders, which contributed to the development of modernized teaching approaches in higher education; 101 participants took part in peer learning.
- 7 new teaching models and strategies developed and tested, providing academic staff with appropriate pedagogical resources for actively engaging students; 49 academic staff members were involved in developing and testing new teaching models; a digital platform titled ''''Center for Enhanced Teaching & Innovation'''' was developed and ensures the systemic dissemination of active learning guidelines and models at both regional and national levels, enabling the long-term sustainability of the project’s impacts. The platform enables viewing and using programme materials (the package consists of nine learning units that address key topics and issues of modern higher education teaching) which are free to download, print and reuse as needed. The platform also facilitates continued collaboration between institutions, allowing for the ongoing dissemination of knowledge and practices from the project.
- Professional staff trained (23 people were included in trainings) and eight members of academic staff educated, who will ensure the continued use of new pedagogical approaches in practice.
- Stakeholder involvement increased at all levels of higher education, strengthening the implementation of innovative teaching methods.
The project directly benefits higher education teachers and professional staff (improved capacity to innovate and create active learning environments) and students (more interaction, agency and ownership in the learning process). Increased cooperation and knowledge from the project indirectly benefits decision-makers (leadership of institutions, policy makers), researchers and general public.
Summary of bilateral results
Overall, the bilateral collaboration not only led to specific project outcomes but also fostered lasting institutional ties and a shared commitment to enhancing teaching and learning practices. The bilateral cooperation yielded several key results:- Shared results and knowledge transfer: the partnership led to the development and sharing of innovative teaching aproaches, models, and strategies. All institutions benefited from mutual learning, with expertise being exchanged on modernized pedagogical methods, which enhanced the quality of teaching and learning at both ends.- Improved knowledge and understanding: through the bilateral cooperation, there was a significant improvement in the understanding of best practices in higher education. The project facilitated the exchange of ideas, leading to a deeper understanding of how to implement active learning techniques, modern teaching tools, and how to address diverse student needs in a global context.- Wider effects and institutional strengthening: the partnership resulted in stronger institutional capacities, with broader impacts beyond the immediate project scope. The developed teaching practices and resources have the potential to be applied in other academic contexts, contributing to the long-term modernization of higher education.The partnership has laid a strong foundation for ongoing cooperation, particularly in the area of joint research and development projects. Slovenian and Norwegian higher education institutions (project promoter and donor project partner) are keen to apply for further funding opportunities that will support collaborative initiatives in the field of education, with a focus on continuous improvement and modernization of teaching and learning practices.