Development of a new educational concept: A visit to Hanse UAS partners within t

  • Petra Daníšková
  • 11.11.2024
In the ongoing efforts to enhance educational frameworks at Silesian University, a comprehensive strategy of a unified educational concept is being formed. The delegation of the University of Silesia, led by the rector doc. Mgr. Tomáš Gongol, Ph.D., visited Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, one of the partners of the STARS EU alliance. Accompanying members of the delegation were vice deans doc. PhDr. Gabriela Rykalová, Ph.D., Ing. Jana Šimáková, Ph.D., and Mgr. Nataša Matulayová, Ph.D., BSBA.

Rector doc. Gongol stated during the visit: "I have been thinking for a long time about how to combine all the initiatives and activities that we implement at the Silesian University in the field of education, learning and teaching. My goal is to unify it into one concept.” Hanze UAS has developed this concept and is already striving to integrate various educational activities, learning processes and teaching methodologies into a unified framework that aligns with the evolving demands of higher education. This concept aims to promote coherence between learning outcomes, curriculum development and innovative teaching practices.

During the discussion, the participants agreed on the need to unify diverse educational initiatives and focus on creating a systematic approach to education. The rector doc. Gongol also expressed his desire to include this concept in the strategic plan of the Silesian University in Opava in the following year. Vice dean doc. Rykalová noted that "the visit was very inspiring, and not only because of the innovative teaching approach of Hanze UAS".

Furthermore, the rector participated in the recent meeting of the STARS EU alliance in Brussels, which provided an opportunity to cooperate on various educational projects and initiatives. The event became a platform for an open discussion between university representatives about the challenges of implementing joint programs and solving accreditation issues.

During the meeting, key priorities for the STARS EU initiative were identified. Special emphasis was placed on supporting the alliance management structure and joint study programs between partner institutions.