This winter, from January 20th to 24th, 2025, the first EuroTeQ Winter School for Teachers took place in Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), marking a significant milestone in collaborative education. The event brought together computer science educators from partner universities, including TalTech, TU/e, L´X, EPFL, in a blended intensive program. Co-designed by didactical experts from TUM, DTU, TU/e, the Winter School aimed to spark collaboration among teachers while addressing the unique challenges of teaching in the EuroTeQ environment.
Rethinking the role of educators
The week kicked off with an in-depth exploration of how learning happens and the role of university teachers in fostering effective learning habits. A strong emphasis was placed on teaching students how to learn rather than simply imparting knowledge. Discussions highlighted the importance of breaking down complex topics, addressing emotional aspects of learning, and encouraging collaborative and social learning environments. Educators left with fresh insights into creating supportive and engaging spaces for students to thrive.
Teaching in an International Classroom
As universities become more global, managing international classrooms has become a key challenge. Sessions explored strategies for facilitating collaboration across cultural differences, developing active listening and feedback skills and fostering self-awareness among students. These conversations underscored the importance of adaptability and inclusivity in modern education.
Teachers highlighted the unique value of EuroTeQ, including the opportunity to inspire motivated students and experiment with innovative teaching methods. However, challenges such as student engagement, course alignment with academic calendars, and accessibility were also noted. To address these, participants proposed solutions like hybrid models, blended intensive formats, and redesigning courses to ensure equal experiences for both local and EuroTeQ students.
Hybrid Teaching: flexibility and its challenges
The transition to hybrid teaching was a major topic of discussion. While hybrid learning offers flexibility and accessibility, it also presents significant challenges, such as technical difficulties, ensuring equal participation for online and on-site students, and maintaining engagement. Solutions included recording lectures for asynchronous learning, creating mixed groups of online and on-site students, and using digital tools like Slack or Discord to foster collaboration.
AI in Education: complementing, not replacing
The rise of artificial intelligence sparked insightful discussions about its role in education. While AI offers exciting opportunities – such as providing instant feedback, automating grading, and simulating job interviews – there was concern about its potential to undermine fundamental problem-solving skills. Participants agreed that AI should complement, not replace, critical thinking. Educators emphasised the need to teach students how to use AI responsibly while ensuring they develop essential programming and problem-solving skills.
Motivating Students: Tackling dropout rates
A recurring challenge discussed throughout the week was student motivation and high dropout rates in online and hybrid courses. To address this, teachers proposed several strategies:
- Redesigning courses to offer equal experiences for all students.
- Managing expectations through clear course descriptions and engaging video trailers.
- Shifting from individual tasks to group tasks to foster collaboration.
- Creating local and EuroTeQ student chat forums for peer support.
- Building collaboration networks among educators to share strategies and experiences.
Moving forward: action points and next steps
As the Winter School concluded, the focus shifted to turning ideas into action. Key next steps included:
- Mapping interested teachers and forming working groups for future collaboration.
- Creating a roadmap for developing specialised EuroTeQ courses.
- Exploring pressure-cooker-style intensive courses to fit diverse academic schedules.
- Defining clear recognition agreements for teachers to incentivise participation in the Course Catalogue.
Conclusion
The EuroTeQ Computer Science Winter School for teachers was a collaborative learning experience that challenged participants to rethink their teaching approaches, explore new pedagogical strategies, and foster deeper international cooperation. As participants return to their institutions, they bring not only new ideas but also a shared commitment to shaping the future of education. The Winter School may have ended, but its legacy is just beginning. Together, we can build a brighter future for students, teachers, and institutions across Europe.
