On March 26, a hands-on session brought together PhD candidates, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows to explore how active learning and digital tools can transform teaching practices in higher education.
Led by Valentina Beretta and Michele Oppioli, the session combined theoretical insights with interactive workshops, creating a dynamic learning environment where participants were actively engaged throughout.
🔍 The session explored:
- What active learning really means in practice
- The evolving role of the teacher as a facilitator rather than a knowledge transmitter
- The importance of building on students’ prior knowledge and perspectives
- Real-life teaching scenarios, including a case-based group activity on evaluating a student’s request to retake a midterm
- Digital tools that support engagement and participation in the classroom
💡 Workshops were at the core of the experience
Participants took part in group activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises, allowing them to experience active learning firsthand. These moments fostered exchange, critical thinking, and practical application of new approaches.
🎯 Key takeaways:
- Students are not passive recipients, but active contributors to the learning process
- There is no single model of non-traditional teaching—experimentation and adaptation are essential
- Engagement thrives through interaction, dialogue, and well-designed activities
🔧 The session concluded with practical tips, including how to design interactive quizzes using Wooclap, offering participants immediately applicable tools for their own teaching.
A valuable opportunity to reflect, experiment, and rethink teaching in a more participatory, student-centered, and innovative way.
