Universidade Portucalense – Infante D. Henrique
Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique is a cooperative higher education and scientific research establishment
Teacher Capacity Building
Teacher Capacity Building in Pedagogical Innovation
The academic success of students is strongly linked to the quality of teaching practices adopted in higher education. In this sense, Axis 2 of the +Sucesso@UPortucalense project has as its central objective the training of University of Portucalense lecturers in the adoption of innovative, student-centred teaching methodologies that promote a more dynamic, inclusive and effective learning environment.
Through the implementation of a structured training plan aligned with the current challenges of higher education, this axis aims to transform teaching practices, making them more attuned to students’ needs, encouraging autonomy, critical thinking, collaboration and the use of educational technologies.
The Pedagogical Innovation Office (GIP) plays a central role in this axis, being responsible for promoting training activities and defining strategic areas of intervention throughout the academic year.
Objectives
- Train teachers in pedagogical innovation, promoting the adoption of student-centred methodologies, such as project-based learning, the flipped classroom and other innovative approaches.
- Stimulate debate on the role of students in higher education, encouraging their active participation in the learning process, the development of autonomy, and the strengthening of personal and interpersonal skills.
- Promote the pedagogical use of digital technologies, training teachers to integrate resources and strategies that enhance the personalisation of teaching and the involvement and active participation of students.
Teacher Training Plan
The training plan promoted by GIP is organised around an annual cycle that includes four key moments, following the academic terms and breaks. This plan takes a diversified approach, integrating different types of training activities tailored to the profiles and needs of teachers:
Inaugural moment of the training plan, which brings together national and international experts to discuss current trends and challenges in higher education, with a focus on pedagogical innovation.
Practical sessions focused on developing specific skills, with a strong emphasis on experimentation and application in real-life contexts. These include opportunities for individualised feedback and improvement of participants’ teaching proposals.
Short informative sessions aimed at presenting fundamental strategies, models and concepts in the field of education and pedagogy in higher education.
A space for teachers to meet and share successful teaching experiences, promoting the dissemination of innovative practices within the context of UPT.
The annual plan runs during school breaks (January/February and June/July), covering the first and second semesters of each academic year. The topics covered are chosen based on their relevance to promoting academic success and their relevance to the challenges of the current educational context.
Through these actions, Axis 2 reinforces Universidade Portucalense’s commitment to pedagogical excellence, creating concrete opportunities for the professional development of its teachers and contributing to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning practices.
