Pedagogical Principles for Teaching and Learning at UTAD
The UTAD Pedagogical Charter presents a set of pedagogical principles that will guide and inspire students, teachers and staff involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of teaching and learning activities; it also aims also to help the university to reflect on how to create and maintain a committed, engaging and stimulating learning environment, facilitating the development of students’ academic and individual potentialities.
7 principles guide teaching and learning at UTAD:
UTAD believes that the ongoing academic challenge is one of the key drivers of student learning. Students should be academically stimulated, thus enhancing their learning capabilities. We want our teachers to create a good learning environment based on research results and to encourage students to acquire specific competences as well as to reflect and act critically.
We see students and teachers as partners in the learning process. Learning is not something a teacher can make happen without the student’s active collaboration. So, the interaction between students and teachers is essential. In this process, academic activities, as well as the return of student learning outcomes, are understood as an important goal to increase these interactions. The skills of interaction and collaboration are essential for our students, as they will need them in their future careers.
Motivation and commitment are the key drivers of the learning we want for our students. We want to develop our students’ connection to active life and, for this, we aim to work closely with /industry, public sector and other civil society actors. Our teachers should actively seek ways of motivating students to engage in their academic success, both in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. Our Eco-Campus is an aggregating space where students may cultivate their physical and mental well-being.
We, at UTAD, value flexibility and diversity in terms of study pace, learning styles and special needs. UTAD gives importance to internationalization and, therefore, promotes the interaction of students with other universities, inside and outside Europe. We therefore value flexibility, trying to find solutions according the students’ requests, whether they are on an internship, studying at another university or have student-worker status. In order to meet the different needs and preferences of our students, faculty and staff, we also want that all our study plans make use of the possibilities offered by learning information and communication technologies.
At UTAD we are committed to take responsibility for our students, who have different backgrounds and come from different regions of the country and the world. We want to help them in the transition from secondary school to the university. Our goal is to welcome all students and provide the help and support they need in order to grow and take all the advantage of their time at UTAD.
Based on the capacity and potential of the student, we will support the development of their academic, ethical and social competences. UTAD has a strong focus on social responsibility and education for sustainability. In this sense, and in parallel with the academic qualifications, we aim to promote individual attitudes, cultural, social and ethical skills.
The entire academic community values and respects differences, promoting the integral development of students, regardless of gender identity, social status, religion, political, ideological or sexual orientation. At UTAD, we promote the right to share experiences in a peaceful, constructive attitude, also respecting equality and freedom.
Thus, in line with the UTAD’s Global Strategic Plan for the educational quality, we will continue to promote the development of appropriate and innovative teaching and learning methods. Due to the diversity of disciplines, the objectives and the particular structure of the study programs, as well as the individual preferences of teachers and students, no single pedagogical format can or should be promoted. In terms of pedagogical training, we value the diversity of pedagogical strategies, as long as they are scientifically supported and promoting the student active learning.
According to the above, the professor at UTAD:
– values the diversity of opinions and sees as positive the existence of different ideas in relation to the same subject;
– Shares knowledge and pedagogical practices;
– Actively seeks to broaden his/her scientific, pedagogical and human skills, which should be reflected in the teaching practice;
– Stimulates students to think critically and creatively; guides them in scientific research and promotes their autonomy;
– Promotes inclusion through collaborative, dynamic and interactive practices;
– Integrates into his/her practices, and in accordance with Agenda 2030, the reflection on sustainable development;
– Engages with the pursuit of truth, integrity, honesty and tolerance.