Arqus Teaching Innovation Summer Schools provide an invaluable opportunity for teachers and academics from Arqus universities to convene for a few days of learning and exchanging ideas. Participants attend talks and workshops by experts, connect with fellow educators, share insights and discuss different perspectives on didactics.
Upcoming Teaching Innovation Summer Schools
Arqus Teaching Innovation Summer School 2026: Language as a multifaceted tool in the teaching and learning environment
The University of Wrocław will host the 2026 Arqus Summer School on Teaching Innovation from 20 to 23 July 2026, bringing together academics from across the Arqus Alliance to explore “Language as a multifaceted tool in the teaching and learning environment”.
The summer school is open to professors, lecturers, instructors and researchers from all Arqus universities and aims to strenghten innovative, inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching practices in international higher education.
A hands-on, interactive programme
The SSoTI is built around three main thematic workshops, all offered to every participant. Working in small, rotating groups, participants will engage in interactive sessions combining short theoretical inputs with practical, hands-on activities led by expert trainers from the University of Wrocław.
The workshop adresses language from complementary perspectives:
- Body language, presentation and verbal communiccation (Workshop A): This workshop focuses on verbal and non-verbal communication in international academic teaching. Participants will reflect on cultural differences in communication styles, develop strategies for effective presentations, and explore culturally sensitive feedback practicces in diverse classrooms.
- Language of numbers and data: Data processing, analysis and visualization (Workshop B): Designed for academics working with quantitative or mixed-methods data, this workshop introduces accessible tools for data preparation and visualization. It emphasises clarity, reproducibility and data storytelling, helping participants communicate research results effectively without requiring advanced programming skills.
- English as an auxiliary language in teaching, learning and research (Workshop C): Drawing on linguistic anthropology, this workshop explores the role of English as an auxiliary language in academic contexts. Through interdisciplinary and culturally grounded activities inspired by Wrocław’s multilingual history, participants will reflect on inclusiveness, scholarly communication and collaborative research practices.
In addition to the workshops, the programme includes field-based activities under the theme “Language of History”, offering participants the opportunity to engage with the cultural and historical heritage of Wrocław through guided visits and experiential learning.
Strengthening teaching innovation within Arqus:
The summer school will be coordinated locally by Małgorzata Dowlaszewicz and Tomasz Greczyło from the University of Wrocław. It is designed to foster exchange between Arqus academics, encourage innovative pedagogical approaches, and support the development of inclusive teaching and learning environments across the Alliance.
Practical information and registration:
- Dates: 20–23 July 2026
- Location: University of Wrocław, Poland
- Registration deadline: 31 March 2026
- Participants: Up to five participants from each Arqus university
- Participation in the summer school is free of charge. Travel and accommodation costs should be covered by the participants’ home institutions using available mobility funds.
Interested applicants are invited to contact their local Arqus officer for further information on the application process.
Past Teaching Innovation Summer Schools
Arqus Summer School: Active learning in action: Engaging students through AI 2025
Date: 2-4 July 2025
Format: In-person (Braga, Portugal)
Organised by: Arqus Alliance partner universities (notably the University of Minho)
Target Audience: Teaching staff from Arqus universities
More information here.
Summary:
This event is all about equipping educators with innovative strategies and tools geared by artificial intelligence to make learning more dynamic and impactful. We start by engaging in team-building activities and setting a collaborative tone for the event. You’ll attend inspiring talks by experts, connect with fellow educators, share insights, and lay the foundation for a stimulating learning journey.
This enriching three-day training event is designed specifically for higher education teachers eager to elevate their teaching practices. During this journey, teachers will develop a plan for transforming a part of a course of their own, supported by the feedback of a peer group and an international team of experienced trainers.
Workshop Focus:
- Essentials of active learning and assessment: techniques to foster student engagement and enhance learning outcomes.
- Application of artificial intelligence to develop content, strategies, and/or assessments that captivate students’ attention and curiosity.
- Gallery walk: teachers present their proposals for applying active learning and artificial intelligence in their courses. It’s a platform to showcase creativity, exchange feedback, and leave with fresh ideas to transform your teaching practice.
Arqus Joint Summer School on Active Learning 2024
Date: 17–19 September 2024
Format: In-person (Monteortone, Abano Terme, Italy)
Organised by: Arqus Alliance universities (notably the University of Padua)
Target Audience: Professors, lecturers, and instructors from Arqus universities
More information here.
Summary:
This joint summer school will focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into university classrooms. Educators from across the Arqus Alliance will come together to share best practices and strategies for AI-enhanced, student-centred teaching. The programme includes workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities in a retreat-like academic setting.
Workshop Focus:
- Responsible AI in the Classroom: How to meaningfully integrate AI tools into teaching
- AI & Student Engagement: Using AI to enhance motivation, interaction, and learning outcomes
- Human-Centred Teaching with AI: Promoting AI literacy and maintaining pedagogical balance
Agenda Highlights:
- Arrival and group transfer on 16 September
- Full-day workshops from 17–19 September
- Closing ceremony, visit to the historic Palazzo Bo, and social dinner on 19 September
- Optional cultural programme in Venice on 20 September
Learning Objectives:
- To explore responsible and ethical AI use in higher education
- To increase AI-related teaching competencies among university staff
- To build a network of innovative educators across Europe
Outcome:
Participants will return to their institutions with practical skills, collaborative ideas, and a broadened understanding of AI’s role in academic contexts. A Certificate of Participation will be awarded upon completion.
Arqus Summer School: Advancing learning assessment – Fostering collaboration and innovation 2023
Date: 18–21 July 2023
Format: In-person (Puvočiai, Lithuania)
Organised by: Arqus Alliance partner universities (notably the University of Minho and the University of Padua)
Target Audience: Teaching staff from Arqus universities
More information here.
Summary:
This was the first Arqus summer school specifically tailored for teaching staff, gathering 30 educators from six Arqus universities. The event promoted collaboration and reflection on how assessment methods can enhance student learning in higher education. Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants shared best practices and discovered new approaches to assessment.
Workshop Focus:
- Active Learning & Assessment: Led by Rui Lima (University of Minho), exploring conceptions, evidence, and contexts of active learning.
- Summative and Formative Assessment: Practical insights into integrating both forms effectively.
- Feedback & Peer Assessment: Facilitated by Valentina Grion (University of Padua), emphasising the potential of peer review.
- Competency vs. Skills & Digital Tools in Assessment: Workshops by Luciana Peixoto and Rui Oliveira (University of Minho), focusing on terminology and tech-based assessment strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand modern assessment strategies in higher education
- To explore peer-based and feedback-oriented methods
- To integrate digital tools into student evaluation
- To promote reflective and evidence-based course design
Outcome:
Participants left with new tools, perspectives, and a community of practice around effective and innovative assessment in university teaching.
