RUN-EU Superweek Brings Staff Collaboration to Life
Superweek is an annual RUN European University (RUN-EU) event, where pedagogical staff meets and mingles. Now held for the fourth time at HAMK, Superweek brought together education staff from across RUN-EU institutions for a dynamic, collaborative experience. This time, we at HAMK hosted over 60 guests from our partner institutions. Besides academical goals and peer-learning, Superweek is always an excellent opportunity to strengthen European cooperation and get to know each other better.
Highlights of the teachers’ collaboration
During the week at HAMK we reflected on how to build an inspiring learning environment and explored solutions to the complex challenges students face in studying, learning, and well-being. Hence, throughout the week, we collaboratively tackled real, study-related challenges presented by students. Altogether, 62 participants from 9 countries got to know each other by sharing their experiences, questions, and good practices.
Tuesday
We started off the week by getting to know each other and HAMK’s Design Factory. The goal of the week was to tackle Design Based Education challenges, which were thematized around for example collaborating with companies and multi-disciplinarity.
Wednesday
Keynote speaker Jari Jussila inspired the participants by deepening out understanding on Innovation. Design thinking process on solving the challenges was guided by Markku Mikkola from HAMK Design Factory.
Thursday
Visiting HAMK’s Evo Campus which is located in the middle of forest, was a highlight of the week for most participants. The sauna, winter swimming, forest, and snowfall offered inspiring aspects of Finnish culture that supported wellbeing. In addition, a keynote on academic wellbeing and social support by Senior Lecturer Sara Rönkkönen raised awareness of the importance of social support in academia.
Friday
The participants presented their solutions and prototypes through posters. Hence, the programme included a gallery walk, plenty of idea exchange, and time to reflect on everything experienced and learned. At the end, we thanked each other and spent a moment painting together to capture the essence of our shared journey.
Peer-learning nurtures a sense of belonging
Superweeks are a valuable opportunity for peer-learning, in which staff learn from each other’s experiences, gaining insights into how to support student learning and well-being in studying.
Sharing diverse perspectives leads to creative solutions for the complex challenges students face in studying, learning, and well-being. Engaging in peer discussions helps staff reflect on their own pedagogical practices, leading to improved teaching and professional growth.
Peer-learning also nurtures a sense of belonging, enhancing participants’ own well-being. In the end, RUN-EU benefits from a more engaged and empowered academic staff/teachers, which translates to better student outcomes and a stronger academic reputation.
RUN European University
We are part of RUN European University, which brings together ten European higher education institutions from nine countries committed to a common vision.
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