On the 26th – 27th of November 2024, Gnosis | Mediterranean Institute for Management Science hosted the third transnational project meeting for the Erasmus+ Project “Creative learning for boosting bio-economy within HEIs’ curricula – CL4BIO”. This initiative brought together partners from Poland, Portugal, Italy, and Cyprus to discuss the project’s progress and next steps.
The overarching objective of the CL4BIO project is to equip teaching academics with advanced and creative skills, fostering excellence in pedagogical approaches, particularly in novel and online education. This initiative encompasses transdisciplinary methodologies, novel curriculum development strategies, and the establishment and evaluation of connections between education, research, and innovation. Strengthening teaching competences is paramount for the effective education of students, particularly in the field of bioeconomy, in order to meet the fast-evolving market demands.
Hosted by the University of Nicosia, the meeting centred on two pivotal Work Packages: Work Package n°3 – “Creation of E-learning Training Contents on Sustainability and Bioeconomy Adopting Creative Learning” and Work Package n°4 – “Piloting the training materials with HEI students (from both partner and non-partner HEIs) and release of final project outputs”.
Work Package n°3: “Creation of E-learning Training Contents on Sustainability and Bioeconomy Adopting Creative Learning”
This work package focuses on developing e-learning training contents on bioeconomy using creative learning methodologies. Internal and external HEI lecturers will actively contribute by preparing training materials on bioeconomy and aligning them with the creative learning pedagogy acquired during WP2. This phase represents the core of the project, as HEI lecturers will apply the acquired knowledge and will create their own training material.
Work Package n°4: “Piloting the training materials with HEI students (from both partner and non-partner HEIs) and release of final project outputs”
Led by the University of Nicosia, WP4 focuses on piloting the training course developed in WP3 with 21 internal and 13 external testers. The goal is to create a library of micro-credential-based training materials using the Creative Learning methodology, integrating green skills and bio-economy topics into higher education curricula.
The piloting phase will include 34 lectures, uploaded to the project website as a resource for EU educators. Students will receive open badges, and feedback will be used to refine the materials. UNic will also develop implementation guidelines to help other organisations adopt the methodology effectively.
Other key activities included:
- Brainstorming innovative approaches: Partners explored how creative learning can be adapted for online platforms, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness.
- Future planning: A collaborative session to map out the remaining phases of the project and ensure alignment with the overall goals.
This meeting underscored the dedication of all partners in advancing bio-economy education and fostering a sustainable future through innovative pedagogy. The next steps will include piloting the training materials and further refining outputs based on student and teacher feedback.
Source: University of Nicosia | News (https://shorturl.at/uuWcX)