Quality first and foremost

1. Training courses on DIGITAL SKILLS

The project involves the delivery of five training modules:

1.1 Introduction to distance learning (KA + DR UO);

The training aims to develop participants’ skills in using distance learning tools and applying them in academic teaching. It will be practical in nature, enabling the effective use of technology when working with students, thereby improving the quality and effectiveness of the classes. The programme comprises 12 training hours for each group of approximately 15 people.

1.2 Supporting the learning process using Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 Copilot (KA);

The aim of the training is to develop participants’ skills in the practical use of Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Copilot in teaching. Participants will acquire skills to improve work organisation, communication and the preparation of educational materials. The training is practical in nature, and the programme comprises 12 teaching hours for a group of approximately 15 people.

1.3 Creating interactive teaching materials (e-textbooks) in PowerPoint (KA);

The training aims to develop participants’ skills in using advanced and lesser-known features of Microsoft PowerPoint, including the creation of interactive teaching materials and e-textbooks. The aim is to improve the effectiveness, clarity and appeal of the educational content produced. The training is practical in nature and focuses on acquiring skills that can be directly applied in teaching. The programme comprises 12 training hours

1.4 Developing an e-learning or blended-learning course on the Moodle platform (KA);

The training aims to develop practical skills in independently creating and managing courses on the Moodle platform, including the design of teaching materials and the monitoring of students’ progress. During the sessions, participants will develop their own course template tailored to the subjects they teach. The training is practical in nature and focuses on acquiring skills that can be directly applied in teaching. The programme comprises 12 training hours delivered in groups of approximately 15 people.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

1.5 The use of generative artificial intelligence in the work of an academic teacher (KA).

The training aims to develop skills in formulating effective prompts and using Microsoft Copilot extensions in Microsoft Office applications. Participants will gain knowledge and skills regarding the use of the AI assistant in process automation, optimising work organisation, and supporting the teaching activities of lecturers and students. The training is practical in nature. The programme comprises 12 training hours delivered in groups of approximately 15 people.

2. Training in TEACHING SKILLS

The project involves the delivery of 10 training modules:

2.1 Mentoring, coaching and tutoring in higher education (KA);

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in providing individual support to students, with a particular focus on the academic tutoring method. The aim of the training is to develop a relational approach to teaching and to foster students’ independence and motivation. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours for each group (groups of approx. 15 people).

2.2 Neurodydaktyka i wspieranie rozwoju uczącego się (KA);

The training aims to enhance participants’ understanding of how the brain learns and how to create a learning environment that supports natural cognitive processes. Participants will learn to design lessons in line with the latest findings in neuroscience. The training will be practical in nature, with a programme lasting 12 hours (group size: approx. 15 people).

2.3 Design thinking as a process for generating innovation in academic teaching (KA);

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in developing modern teaching methods tailored to students’ needs, as well as to foster creative thinking skills. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

2.4 Elements of gamification in teaching (KA);

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in applying gamification in academic teaching as a method to increase student engagement and motivation, using game-based elements. The aim of the training is to make classes more engaging and to support active and sustainable learning through the implementation of modern motivational strategies. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

2.5 Problem-based learning (KA);

Szkolenie ma na celu podniesienie kompetencji uczestników w zakresie wykorzystania struktury metody PBL oraz prowadzenia zajęć rozwijających krytyczne myślenie, samodzielność i umiejętność współpracy. Celem jest podniesienie efektywności dydaktyki poprzez aktywizujące podejście do nauczania. Szkolenie będzie miało charakter praktyczny, program obejmuje 12 godz. dla każdej grupy (grupy ok.15 os.)

2.6 The experimental method as a means of fostering 21st-century skills in academic teaching (KA);

The training aims to develop participants’ skills in using the experimental method as a tool for developing 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving, scientific thinking and critical reflection. The aim is to effectively engage students and develop their research skills. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

2.7 Introduction to Modern Academic Teaching (DR).

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in applying selected modern teaching methods, which provide an overview of contemporary pedagogical approaches: tutoring, neurodidactics, design thinking, gamification and Problem-Based Learning (PBL). The aim is to equip young researchers with the basic tools for designing engaging and varied academic sessions. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours for each group (groups of approx. 12 people).

2.8 English in the teaching of general academic subjects (KA);

The aim of the training is to improve participants’ ability to use English in teaching. The training will take the form of one-to-one sessions with a tutor, totalling 60 teaching hours per participant. The scope of the training will be agreed individually with the tutor.

2.9 English in educational research (KA);

The aim of the course is to improve participants’ proficiency in using English in educational research. The course will take the form of one-to-one sessions with a tutor, totalling 60 teaching hours per participant. The scope of the course will be agreed individually with the tutor.

2.10 English in teaching research-oriented and genaral academic courses (KA).

The aim of the training is to improve participants’ proficiency in using English when teaching general academic and research-oriented courses. The training will take the form of one-to-one tutorials with a tutor, totalling 60 teaching hours per participant. The scope of the training will be agreed individually with the tutor.

3. Training courses for the GREEN TRANSITION

The project involves the delivery of three training modules:

3.1 Green Transition – sustainable development of the university (KA);

The training aims to strengthen competencies in the strategic management of institutional transformation processes. Participants will gain an understanding of the key challenges and tools that support the management of higher education institutions in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, and will learn about the experiences and best practices implemented at other academic institutions. The programme enables the direct application of the solutions learnt in day-to-day work. The training comprises 12 teaching hours for groups of approximately 15 people.

3.2 Teaching in the Age of the Green Transition (KA);

The training aims to support participants in incorporating issues related to climate change, environmental protection and social responsibility into their everyday teaching practice. Participants will learn how to integrate these topics into subjects not directly related to ecology, how to design lessons in the spirit of responsibility, and how to foster pro-environmental attitudes among students. The training will be practical in nature. The programme comprises 12 teaching hours delivered in groups of approximately 15 people.

3.3 Introduction to the Green Transition at the university (DR).

The aim of the training is to develop participants’ skills in key areas relating to climate change, sustainable development and environmental challenges, as well as to encourage reflection on the role of science and teaching in addressing these issues. The training supports the development of an informed and committed academic staff and contributes to the achievement of sustainable development goals in higher education. The programme comprises 12 hours for groups of approximately 15 people.

4. Training courses on UNIVERSAL DESIGN

The project involves the delivery of four training modules:

4.1 Delivering lessons using the principles of universal design and reasonable accommodation (KA);

The training aims to develop skills in lesson planning that takes into account the diverse educational needs of students. Participants will learn to identify barriers to learning and adapt the teaching process to individual needs. The training is practical in nature, and the programme comprises 12 teaching hours delivered in groups of around 15 people.

4.2 Delivering online classes in accordance with universal design (UD);

The training aims to develop participants’ skills in the area of digital accessibility, including the creation of content that complies with WCAG standards, the selection of appropriate formats, and the use of tools that support all students, including those with disabilities. The training is practical in nature, and the programme comprises 12 teaching hours delivered in groups of around 15 people.

4.3 Designing versatile teaching materials and the teaching process (KA);

The training aims to develop participants’ skills in preparing accessible presentations, documents and exercises, and in applying methods that enable them to deliver lessons tailored to students’ diverse learning styles. The training is practical in nature, and the programme comprises 12 teaching hours delivered in groups of around 15 people.

4.5 Universal design in teaching and academic publications (DR).

The training aims to develop participants’ skills in creating texts tailored to people with information processing difficulties, including those with dyslexia or who are blind, and in simplifying the message whilst preserving its substantive value. The training will enable academic and teaching materials to be better adapted to the diverse needs of learners, thereby supporting inclusivity in higher education. It is practical in nature, and the programme comprises 12 teaching hours delivered in groups of approximately 12 people.

5. Training courses to improve the communication and social skills of teaching staff

The project involves the delivery of nine training modules:

5.1 The culture of discourse in academic teaching;

The training aims to enhance participants’ communication skills in the area of conscious, precise and responsible language use in the teaching process. Participants will learn, amongst other things, the principles of formulating clear, supportive messages and avoiding language that is exclusionary or unclear to students. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 6 hours for each group (groups of approx. 15 people).

5.2 Public speaking in academic teaching;

The training aims to improve presentation skills in academic teaching. Participants will learn how to create clear presentation structures, reinforce verbal messages through body language and tone of voice, manage group dynamics during presentations, and engage participants through interactive tasks and exercises, which will result in more effective and dynamic classes. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 12 hours for each group (groups of approx. 6 people).

5.3 Intercultural communication in academic teaching;

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in working effectively with international students and within culturally diverse teams. The objective of the training is to develop the skills needed to build understanding, avoid misunderstandings and create an inclusive learning environment. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 6 hours for each group (groups of approx. 15 people).

5.4 Gallup’s talents in academic teaching;

The training aims to identify and develop participants’ talents using the Gallup methodology. Participants will identify their individual talents, learn to apply them consciously in their teaching practice, and discover how to build and develop a team’s potential based on its members’ strengths. The training supports personal and professional development, as well as effective collaboration within the academic environment. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours for each group (groups of approx. 15 people).

5.5 Mental health at work;

The training aims to enhance participants’ understanding of mental health, with a focus on the phenomena of excessive fatigue and perfectionism and how they are interlinked. Participants will learn how these mechanisms affect their professional and personal lives, and will also learn to apply practical strategies for preventing burnout and managing stress. The aim of the training is to support mental wellbeing and work-life balance in academic work. The training will be practical in nature, with the programme comprising 12 hours for each group (groups of approx. 15 people).

5.6 Grants in Poland;

The training aims to enhance strategic competencies in the planning of research and teaching activities. The objective of the training is to familiarise academic staff with the available sources of funding for research and teaching activities in Poland at national and regional level. Knowledge of the grant system enables academic staff to better plan their research and teaching development path and to involve students and PhD candidates in research and teaching activities. By increasing knowledge of available funding mechanisms, it will be possible to secure funding more effectively to support the development of research-based teaching. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 4 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

5.7 Effective grant application writing;

The training aims to develop practical skills in preparing effective grant applications for research and teaching projects. These skills are essential for active participation in the development of a teaching programme based on educational projects and teaching innovations. The training also supports the development of soft skills, such as the precise formulation of objectives and teamwork, which are applicable in both research and teaching activities. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 12 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

5.8 Managing bibliographies using AI;

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in using AI for bibliography management. Participants will learn the basics of natural language processing (NLP), including text classification and named entity recognition (NER), using tools such as Transformers, PyTorch and Pandas. The training develops skills in integrating technology with research and teaching. The skills acquired can be used, for example, to support students in writing their dissertations. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 8 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

5.9 Text editing.

The training aims to enhance participants’ skills in text editing. Participants will learn the principles of clear and consistent academic style, structuring content, building arguments, and adapting language to the requirements of different journals and audiences. These skills are essential not only for effective communication but also for delivering high-quality teaching – including when supporting students with their dissertations. The training will be practical in nature; the programme comprises 8 hours (group of approx. 15 people).

Recruitment for the project will begin in late April/early May 2026. An information session is scheduled for 15 May 2026 as part of the third edition of the University of Opole’s Education Quality Days. Further details will follow shortly.

• RULES FOR RECRUITMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN THE PROJECT ‘Quality First – Developing Competences and the Education Management System at the University of Opole’ >>>
• Appendix to the Admissions Regulations >>>

The dates of the training sessions will be agreed with the project participants; the first session will take place in July 2026.

1. Recruitment link for academic staff
2. Recruitment link for doctoral students
3. Project participant form

• Accessibility and equal opportunities >>>

Soon

Contact details:
Angelika Chęcińska
Tel.: 77 452 74 81
Email: angelika.checinska@uni.opole.pl

Address details:
Office of Teaching and Quality Assurance
Collegium Civitas
3rd floor, room 339 (enter via room 338)
89 Katowicka Street
45-061 Opole