The 9th edition of the “Shaping the Future” programme took place on 24 June, at the Lisbon Academy of Sciences, and brought together 25 newly hired professors and researchers at Instituto Superior Técnico. The initiative, which aims to promote the adaptation of these professionals to the culture of Técnico, runs from 24 to 26 June.
“I think there are 25 participants here, which makes me happy, as it means we’re renewing Técnico”, shared Rogério Colaço, the president of Técnico. Recalling that he started teaching 33 years ago, Rogério Colaço emphasised that over this period he has seen the relationship between students and professors “change completely”, due to the increasing access to information – “students have access to the same answers as we (professors) have, and sometimes even more”. In light of this, the president of Técnico posed a question – “what is the role of a professor today?”. Inviting those present to reflect on the subject, Rogério Colaço shared his perspective, arguing that “professors should be role models for students, respecting them as mature adults and intelligent people”.
Pedro Brogueira, president of the Scientific Council at Técnico, urged those present to get to know each other and exchange views over the three days of the event, emphasising the importance of these connections on a professional and personal level. The president of the Pedagogical Council, Teresa Peña, spoke of the “start of a new journey” for the professionals present and recalled the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching, stating that “this generation of professors will decide the ‘right and wrong’ of this interaction”.
In these three days, professors and researchers on probation at Técnico can participate in debates, lectures and round tables on topics such as academic leadership, articulation between teaching and research activities, institutional communication, fundraising, the use of Artificial Intelligence tools in teaching and information sessions on Técnico services, among other subjects. In addition, and in order to improve their teaching skills, professors can also request classroom observation by members of the Academic Development Office (NDA) so that, in subsequent meetings, they can discuss successful aspects and others for improvement.
“This programme aims to welcome those who are starting their employment contract”, said Gonçalo Moura, a member of the NDA involved in the organisation of the event. “We try to bring in pedagogical topics, funding, organisation and classroom management”, he said, adding that participants in past editions have highlighted the usefulness of “knowing how the institution works and where the different services are, as well as the procedures for obtaining funding, getting to know the school across the board.”
