EUGLOH Conference on Pedagogical Development Explores the Future of Teaching and Learning Across Europe
Over the course of the three days, 214 teachers, students and educational developers took part in panel discussions, workshops and presentations focusing on institutional support for teaching, student-centred pedagogy, curriculum design and assessment.
Alexandra Cermeño (pictured on the right), Associate Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economic History at Lund University, was one of the speakers at the conference:
— “I was interested in seeing how colleagues across Europe are approaching pedagogical innovation and student engagement, particularly in relation to active learning, international collaboration, and digital teaching practices. The conference was an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas about experimental teaching formats beyond traditional lectures and seminars.”
Alexandra Cermeño and Faustine Perrin (Lund University), together with Federico Pablo Martí and Laura Maravall (Universidad de Alcalá), received EUGLOH seed funding to develop a COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) course. The collaboration has resulted in the digital platform Pioneers, Inc., whose design illustrates how interactive mechanisms can support active learning and make the reasoning behind economic and historical decisions observable. Since the alliance began its work in 2019, EUGLOH has funded numerous collaborative projects between member universities.
Alexandra Cermeño and her colleagues believe that:
— “The EUGLOH seed funding was essential in helping us develop the collaboration, exchange pedagogical ideas, and explore how these teaching methods can be adapted to digitally connected and international educational settings.”
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the growing impact of AI on higher education – both the opportunities it creates and the challenges it presents. During all the sessions, participants shared experiences, ideas and practical approaches for ensuring that technological developments support students, teachers and educational developers in meaningful and responsible ways.
The conference concluded with a strong message on the value of collaboration within and between European Universities Alliances. It enhances the exchange of experience, supports joint responses to shared challenges, and drives innovation in pedagogical development between universities and alliances.
Reflecting on the spirit of the event, EUGLOH Secretary-General Emily Helmeid drew on the story of Stone Soup:
— “Like the story of Stone Soup, whether it's teaching, putting together this conference, or collaborating through this alliance, we all bring our small parts and find that the end result represents so much more than what we put in. This is why EUGLOH—and alliances in general—are so effective. If you can make stone soup, you'll always have enough.”