University Education Workshop “Innovating in a simple and fruitful way”

On November 7 and 8, the University Education Workshop “Innovating in a simple and fruitful way” will take place, which will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance at the University of Costa Rica. The objective is to share diverse experiences that encourage reflection on the academic processes of the member universities of the Central American Higher University Council.

With words from Felipe Alpízar, Vice-Rector of Teaching, the workshop began, welcoming all those teachers present at the University of Costa Rica facilities and extending a warm greeting to the authorities and teachers participating virtually.

In her opening remarks, Gabriela Valverde, representative of the Vice-Rectorate of Teaching at the University of Costa Rica, stated, “Innovation is a word that is often given a meaning focused on technology, when in reality we can innovate from different perspectives, as you are doing and sharing with us in this workshop. One of the most valuable expected contributions of this activity is that you can build contributions as a community.”

For his part, Francisco Alarcón, Deputy Secretary General, stated, “I congratulate you for going the extra mile, for innovating in the teaching methods you share in education, simple yet realistic and sustainable innovations, aimed at contributing significantly to didactics, focused on developing skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, responsibility, moral and ethical development, leadership, entrepreneurship, among others, human skills that are needed today more than ever in the age of automation.”.

Likewise, Iris Danowski, representative of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), stated, “Scientific knowledge, personal development, and social commitment are objectives of university education. Therefore, universities must be attentive to new challenges and needs with a commitment to quality and constant growth. The impact on processes is imminent; it is essential to continue developing and updating university teaching processes to create space for innovation and strengthen students' academic processes.”.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alvarado Cerezo, Secretary General of CSUCA, reflected, “Today, public universities are experiencing a new reality, a situation that forces us to develop new skills. Undoubtedly, we face significant challenges, but integrated work will help us achieve these goals through the development of tools that allow us to find answers and propose solutions in the short and medium term for our societies.”.

The workshop methodology consists of presenting the projects that each of the teachers has worked on, with the purpose of offering the different innovation processes and that other teachers can join in using these innovative methodologies within the different universities and at the same time find joint mechanisms to develop inter-university innovation processes.