The inaugural session of the “Contigo+” Programme took place in a hybrid format this Thursday, 17th November, at Técnico – Alameda Campus (Congress Centre). Professors Francesc Torres and Ramon Bragos, from BarcelonaTech (UPC), were the guest speakers.

This initiative is organised by the Pedagogical Council and aims to expand the teaching skills of professors according to the needs and characteristics of today’s students. The President of Técnico, professor Rogério Colaço, pointed out the following challenges: the paradigm shift in education from the 20th century to the 21st century, and the fact that students are changing faster than teachers. Thus, “different teaching approaches are needed […] since students are certainly also different”, he added.

The change we are witnessing in the technological, social and communication context is fostering change in the roles of teachers and students. According to professor Teresa Peña, President of the Pedagogical Council, the first ones are seen as “a source of inspiration rather than a source of information”.

The classroom practice also changes due to the paradigm shift in education and the growing availability of technological tools: the focus shifts from the teacher to the student, who becomes the central figure. Professor Francesc Torres shares the same idea and highlights “the University ceases to be a ‘black box’” and “this is the end of monopoly and increased competition in universities”

The “Contigo+ Programme” is part of the Integrated Programme for Teaching Quality at Técnico.