JMU and UU Host World Café for Sharing Best Practices in Professional Development among European University Alliances

On December 3rd, 72 members from 18 European University Alliances gathered online for a World Café event to discuss and exchange best practices in professional development for teaching and learning. The format of the World Café was chosen to engage the participants in meaningful conversations about best practices in professional development. The event co-organized by JMU and Utrecht University was a resounding success, providing a platform for participants to share experiences and gain new insights in a warm, friendly, and inviting atmosphere.

The opening keynote was delivered by Katrine Moland Hansen from the University of Bergen. Her presentation traced the evolution of European higher education policies, highlighting key milestones such as the Erasmus program and the proposal of a "fifth freedom"—the free movement of knowledge. She addressed challenges like slow economic growth, demographic shifts, and the need for increased investment in education, research, and skills. Hansen emphasized the importance of balancing national priorities with EU-level integration to foster competitiveness and inclusivity.

The breakout sessions were a highlight of the event, each starting with brief presentations followed by interactive discussions and open conversations. Participants shared important tools, documents, and links on a MIRO board, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas.

In the session on Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Environments, K. Niewalda from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and A. Granberg from Abo Akademi University presented the CHARM-EU hybrid classroom model. This insightful case study showcased innovative strategies and practical experiences in hybrid-format learning environments, aimed at enhancing student engagement and educational outcomes. Complementing this, R.M. Gray from the University of Bergen explored the concept of "Writerly Teaching and Learning," which links teaching and learning in a single signifying process. These presentations underscored the transformative potential of innovative teaching methodologies in modern higher education and sparked a vivid discussion among participants.

The Digital Transformation in Education session featured vibrant discussions on the integration of AI into education. N. Lazebna from JMU discussed transdisciplinary activities with students, such as spatial data mapping, pedagogy, and data-driven linguistic studies. D. Könning from Utrecht University and A. Schalk from Trinity College Dublin highlighted the immense potential of AI for both educators and learners, concluding that "AI in Need is a Friend Indeed."

In the Intercultural Competences and Inclusive Education session, various examples of interculturality modules were discussed. R. Zendendel from Utrecht University focused on Erasmus students engaging in cultural exchange, while N. Marakhovska from Masaryk University (Czech Republic) addressed educators forced to teach abroad due to conflict in their home countries. The session concluded with discussions on models and methods like the DIVE model and the importance of the teacher’s own positionality.

The Professional Development in Higher Education session tackled questions on supporting new teachers, integrating them into educational communities, and recognizing professional development activities (L.Bespala, Oxford University, UK). Silvia Gallagher (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) presented an extensive literature review on interinstitutional professional development activities, while Rada Mogliacci (University Gustave Eiffel, France) shared approaches for using student data to inform professional development.

The Sustainability in Higher Education session presented different modalities for sustainability in education, such as virtual courses and blended mobility activities. Examples from CHARM-EU and the Sustainability Laboratory WueLAB at JMU (Maria Theresa Dömling, JMU) provided insights into embedding the principles of education for sustainable development.

The event concluded with participants sharing reflections and exchanging contact details on the MIRO board. An evaluation revealed that participants valued the engaging discussions and the opportunity to establish valuable contacts. For future events, participants suggested sending in questions beforehand, allowing more time for interactivity, and discussing more thematic overlapping topics.

Overall, the first-ever online World Café revealed valuable insights into best practices for professional development within European University Alliances. Due to its success, CHARM-EU is considering hosting this event every semester. The contributions from Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg were particularly noteworthy, highlighting their active role in advancing innovative teaching methods and digital transformation in education.