Heads of teaching units (HTU) and directors of doctoral schools at the University of Warsaw took part in an offsite meeting. Participants discussed the quality of education, the use of research findings in teaching, and the challenges associated with the development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
From 24th to 26th May, an offsite meeting for heads of teaching units and directors of doctoral schools at the University of Warsaw took place in Łochów. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the quality of education and the design of study programmes for students and doctoral candidates, taking into account the model for transferring the latest research findings, as well as the challenges associated with the use of new technologies in academic teaching.
The event was attended by: Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector; Prof. Maciej Raś, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching and Learning; Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, Vice-Rector for Research; Prof. Adam Niewiadomski, Vice-Rector for Doctoral and Legal Affairs, the Rector’s representatives for education, and other individuals holding managerial positions in the field of teaching, as well as Justyna Jaworska, President of the PhD Students’ Union, and Mateusz Mossakowski, President of the Students’ Council of the UW.
The meeting’s agenda included both sessions on strategic directions for the development of teaching at the UW and workshops on the practical aspects of designing study programmes.
Transferring research into teaching
On the first day, participants discussed measures to improve the quality of education within the IDUB Programme. The discussions focused on the university’s achievements to date, the challenges it faces, and the prospects for further support for students within the IDUB Programme.
A particularly important topic of the meeting was the transfer of research findings into educational programmes. Participants discussed how to make even greater use of the potential of research conducted at the UW in degree programmes and doctoral programmes, so that students can acquire knowledge based on the latest scientific achievements and develop skills that address contemporary social and technological challenges. It was emphasised that the close link between research and teaching is one of the cornerstones of a modern university.
Artificial intelligence and the quality of education
The second day focused on designing student and doctoral programmes, taking into account a model for transferring the latest research findings into teaching. Another key topic of discussion was initiatives to support the integration of doctoral candidates into the faculty community and the development of a modern educational model based on a close link between research and teaching.
Participants also discussed current challenges related to ensuring the quality of education and the new guidelines being drafted by the University Council for Education regarding the use of artificial intelligence tools in the educational process. The discussions covered both the opportunities that AI presents for academic teaching and the ethical and organisational issues associated with its use.
