Hlavní stránka Info portálu ZČU

The primary focus of the meeting was on principles of testing and oral examinations at universities, as well as the art of pedagogical communication. The program also included evening discussions dedicated to sharing participants’ experiences. These evening debates touched on digital technologies and artificial intelligence and their impact on modern higher education. Thanks to the participation of experts from various fields – from technical disciplines and natural sciences to the humanities – the event, as every year, enabled a rich exchange of experiences and perspectives across disciplines.

The professional program was led by two main lecturers: Martin Vejražka from the First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University, who specializes in testing in higher education, and Petr Sucháček from the Faculty of Arts at Masaryk University, an expert in pedagogical and nonviolent communication. The sessions took place not only in the classroom but also outside, as the lecturers incorporated experiential learning elements. For instance, they had participants step back into the role of students and undergo a demanding oral exam before a committee. There were also group trips into nature, where informal discussions on pedagogical issues continued. One participant captured the atmosphere with the words: “I was learning how to teach without even realizing I was learning.”

“We have been working long-term on developing a community in the field of higher education pedagogy with the goal of supporting high-quality teaching at Czech universities. Participants take away not only practical tools for improving their teaching but also inspiration and new contacts for sharing experiences and collaboration,” summarized the founder of the summer school, Lucie Rohlíková from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen.

The fourth run of The Summer School of University Pedagogy brought together academics from Charles University, Masaryk University, Brno University of Technology, and the College of Polytechnics Jihlava. From the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, participants came from the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art, and the Institute of Language Training.

The meeting took place at Charles University’s mountain lodge in Pec pod Sněžkou, from August 18 to 21. It was co-organized by the Paedagogium platform of Charles University and the Pedadesk of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, managed by the Division of Lifelong and Distance Learning (CŽV).