First short staff learning and training on design thinking and open pedagogy

As part of the eSleep_dHealth project, the University of Split organized and coordinated the First short staff learning and training for the design of the eSleep_dHealth Curriculum and Open educational resources, which took place from November 15th to November 17th, 2023, in Split, Croatia. The primary focus of the First short staff learning and training, was centered on the principles of design thinking in curriculum design and open pedagogy education. The participants were Project partners and students who will be included in the future Project activities – eSleep_dHealth program.

During the initial day of the training, hosted at the University of Split’s library, each Project partner presented their organization, disseminating comprehensive details about previously executed projects and outlining their respective roles within the eSleep_dHealth Project. Following these presentations, the Project Coach, Branka Bernard, introduced the Design Thinking methodology in Curriculum Design. Subsequently, a discussion followed regarding the existing study programs at the eSleep_dHealth-included universities, exploring both their strengths and areas that require enhancement.

Additionally, Branka facilitated exercises wherein Project partners, organized into small groups, collaboratively defined the overarching goal of the eSleep_dHealth program. This exercise included proposing specific activities to attain the identified goal, visualizing the Project timeline, and formulating the Project slogan: “Wake up, it’s Time for Sleep – become the European Sleep Expert of Tomorrow.” The day culminated in a networking event in the City center, where participants engaged with members of the YOUTH conference.

The second day, held at the University of Split’s Senate Hall, was dedicated to the introduction of curriculum writing. Project Coach Branka Bernard presented the goals, pedagogical approaches, and hierarchy of learning outcomes to define the learning objectives for individual modules within the eSleep_dHealth Curriculum. In small groups, Project partners identified outcomes for their modules, presenting them for evaluation and collaborative refinement. A City sightseeing tour and dinner followed, providing a conducive environment for continued discourse.

The final day of the training, hosted at the Mediterranean Institute for Life Science on November 17th, featured the Project Coach, Branka Bernard, introducing different pedagogical approaches. Subsequently, Project partners shared examples of effective teaching practices. The training concluded with a lecture on Curriculum planning and development context, accompanied by discussions outlining the subsequent implementation steps.

At the conclusion of this First three-day staff training session, Project partners expressed their contentment with the comprehensive training received. They highlighted their newfound knowledge in innovative curriculum development, specifically emphasizing backward curriculum design for ensuring effectiveness and relevance, design thinking methodology, and open pedagogy approaches. Furthermore, Project partners expressed eager anticipation for forthcoming in-person meetings dedicated to collaboratively developing content for the designed project curriculum and advancing other project-related activities.

For more information please visit project page: First short staff learning and training on design thinking and open pedagogy – eSleep_dHealth