Piedmont Teaching Labs move towards a shared strategy for participatory teaching

An opportunity to exchange ideas and develop a shared strategy—this was the goal of the event “Breakfast at… The Three Teaching and Learning Centers of Piedmont Meet”, held on July 10 in Room 8N at the Politecnico di Torino. The event featured Professor Fulvio Corno, Vice Rector for Education at the Politecnico, Professor Barbara Bruschi, Vice Rector for Teaching and President of the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Turin, and Professor Cristina Meini, Rector’s Delegate for Teaching at the University of Eastern Piedmont.

More than thirty participants from the three universities—experts in educational innovation—attended the meeting, led by the heads of the respective Teaching and Learning Centers: Mariagrazia Graziano (PoliTO), Emanuela Torre (UniTo), and Giuliana Franceschinis (UPO). The aim was to lay the groundwork for future collaborations and events, to build a network, and to expand the educational offerings that enhance the professional development of university faculty in Piedmont. After the opening remarks, participants worked in groups, engaging in open discussions on the theme of “participatory teaching,” a shared and common ground.

The event concluded with a plenary session where each group presented their reflections, expressing a strong desire to continue and deepen the work, also involving other stakeholders in the region.

The group work and subsequent discussion were rich in ideas and helped outline a process to strengthen participatory teaching in a way that is effective and tailored to students’ contexts—whether they are in their first year or in graduate programs, in small or large classes, seeking to enhance their learning and engagement, or looking for the best support to develop their talents. Truly participatory teaching creates a privileged environment for building meaningful relationships between teachers and students, whether in person or mediated by digital technologies. The universities are committed to fostering interaction methods that support these relationships.

The key concept that emerged enthusiastically from this think tank of educators was “I care”—highlighting what truly matters to those who teach: walking alongside each student so they can find their own path to deep learning and autonomous development of their potential.

The success of this first meeting led to a commitment to share training and scientific events organized by the three universities, as well as to plan a larger event for the academic communities in the upcoming autumn.