Arqus Summer School on Teaching Innovation at the University of Wrocław

From 20 to 23 July 2026, the University of Wrocław hosted Arqus staff members for a summer school dedicated to innovative approaches to teaching and learning in higher education. This year’s edition was held under the theme “Language as a Multifaceted Tool in the Teaching and Learning Environment.”

The event brought together professors, lecturers, instructors, and researchers from Arqus universities. Its main objective was to promote innovative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary teaching practices while fostering the exchange of experiences among academics working in an international environment.

The programme was built around interactive workshops led by experts from the University of Wrocław. Working in small, rotating groups, participants combined theoretical reflection with hands-on activities and collaborative problem-solving.

One of the key themes explored was verbal and non-verbal communication in academic settings. During the workshops, participants examined cultural differences in communication styles, enhanced their presentation skills, and discussed ways of providing constructive and culturally sensitive feedback.

Another session focused on the language of numbers and data. Participants became acquainted with accessible tools for data processing, analysis, and visualisation, as well as effective methods of presenting research results through data storytelling. The workshops highlighted the importance of transparency and reproducibility in data analysis without requiring advanced programming skills.

The third thematic area addressed the role of English as a supporting language in teaching, learning and research. Drawing inspiration from Wrocław’s multilingual heritage and perspectives from linguistic anthropology, participants reflected on the significance of inclusive academic communication, intercultural collaboration, and the role of language as a tool for building international research communities.

The summer school provided a valuable space for exchanging experiences, developing teaching competences, and strengthening cooperation networks among academic staff from Arqus universities. The event also confirmed the University of Wrocław’s expertise and commitment to the development of innovative teaching methods in higher education.

Article written by Emilia Wilanowska (University of Wrocław)

Author of the poster (thumbnail image): Adèle Godefroy (University of Lyon 1)