Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer Schools

First “Teaching and Learning in STEM” Summer School

The ECTN Eurolecturer Academy will organize yearly short summer schools on teaching and learning in STEM Higher Education.
The first summer school in the series “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education STEM” is “Question-Driven Learning in STEM” Summer School, Krakow, Poland, 29 June – 1 July 2025.

Why Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer Schools

In recent years, student-centered learning has become a shared priority for many universities and is frequently integrated into professional development programs for university teaching. While implementing active learning strategies and using digital technology can bring immense benefits, lecturers still face many challenges in adopting methods like questioning techniques or fostering collaborative learning among students. As a result, traditional lecturing often remains the default, particularly in large classes or conventional classroom settings.

To support academic teachers and program directors in navigating these challenges, the ECTN WG Eurolecturer Academy will organize a series of 2.5-day Summer Schools on “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education STEM.” Each summer school will explore a specific educational theme within the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).  equipping participants with innovative approaches and practical tools for effective teaching. The immersive program of these short summer schools and vivid discussions in the international community of practitioners will empower participants to enhance the quality of their teaching and the curricula.

With this series, the ECTN continues the tradition of organizing summer schools on teaching and learning in university STEM, which began with the “Newly Appointed University Chemistry Teaching Staff – Summer School, Malta, Sliema” held from June 22–29, 2005, and June 12–16, 2007. Many who attended those events now hold high academic positions.

PARTICIPANTS: Lecturers in STEM disciplines who wish to enhance their teaching skills and higher education programme directors who wish to introduce more active learning in their curricula.

GOALS & OUTCOMES: Participants will develop specific university teaching competences and exchange their views in the international STEM education community, enabling them to implement it in their own educational practice.

PROGRAM & METHODS: The study program is based on active learning and co-creation offering inspiring interactive workshops, collaborative group sessions, and powerful discussions.

CERTIFICATION: On successful completion, an “ECTN certificate in Teaching and Learning in STEM – specific educational theme”, recognizing their competence in the specific educational theme and their commitment to student-centered education.

ORGANISATION: The summer schools in the series “Teaching and Learning in higher education STEM” Summer Schools are organised by the European Chemistry Thematic Network Working Group Eurolecturer Academy in cooperation with the local organizing university.