Teaching

We are currently facing the challenge of improving the quality of distance learning, guaranteeing the same high quality achieved through face-to-face teaching . For this reason, through the PSSD we will implement a series of actions ranging from a commitment to educational innovation, in line with the initiatives deployed at the University of Bologna and within the international networks in which the DIT is involved, to the organisation of training sessions for new members of staff. Secondly, given the Department commitment to the advancement of research, it seems fruitful to encourage even greater interaction between teaching and research, driven by research. In this respect, the DIT will operate on three different levels: research on learning processes, external dissemination of its core disciplines, and development of a research culture among its students.

The project goals were translated into actions as described below.

Ensuring that teaching methods, infrastructures, and course content are aligned with the potential offered by technology and best practices at the (inter)national level. Actions:

1. Creation of a working group on teaching innovation that evaluates the opportunities arising from participation in international networks, e.g. peer-to-peer learning and cross-registers of trainers, and supports the production of teaching modules with innovative components in their method and/or content (e.g. flipped classroom)
2. Participation in at least one of the actions proposed by the university on educational innovation. At least one course will take part in the Formative Education Evaluation experiment, while the others will participate in innovative teaching laboratories on new technologies
3. Enhancement of the research focus on the teaching of languages, interpretation and translation, including cognitive approaches
4. Allocation of at least 1 annual post doc research grant to themes related to educational innovation (research on learning processes or development of methods and resources)
5. Induction of newly hired and junior members of staff, to share the vision of the department, to develop good practices and ensure the consistency of content and methods
6. Creation of a fully equipped room with a video conferencing system for the internationalization of teaching (creation of distance learning materials/MOOC, delivery of webinars, virtual classes with international universities)

Building a culture of research among students. Actions:

1. Scheduling of an elective module on the methodology of research, open to the Department’s Master's and doctoral students
2. A specific focus, in the module just mentioned, on theoretical and empirical methods applied to research toward  the master's dissertation
3. Recruitment of a research manager who, in addition to supporting competitive fund planning, will support communication of DIT research, encouraging its dissemination among its current and prospective students and to society as a whole.