MAGNET – Max van der Stoel Institute

Managerial and GoverNance Enhancement through Teaching

MAGNET aims to develop a network for University Pedagogy in the West Balkans States, through know-how transfer from countries that have CTLs under operation to all partner countries. Main objectives of MAGNET include the know-how transfer, the foundation of CTLs within each HEI, the production of educational material for seminars for academic staff, and the creation of a sustainable network -the BALKANETUP (Balkan Network for University Pedagogy). Its results can be summarized in the support for the implementation of modern, innovative, transformative, student-centered instructional strategies in HEI in the West Balkans establishment of CTLs in HEIs formation of the BALKANETUP via the integration of knowledge, good practices, shared experience for the academic educational processes development of MOOCs and training courses based on the Needs Analysis and an intensive literature review, in the form of pilot, field-focused, modules/courses with assigned ECTS that will be launched face-to-face or via eLearning (synchronous and/or asynchronous) methods. launching of an e-Net to support BALKANETUP upgrading of teaching and learning methods that lead to better student outcomes.

Objectives of the project: University pedagogy plays a crucial role in advancing the European Higher Education Area, primarily facilitated by the operation of Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The MAGNET project seeks to establish a network for University Pedagogy in the West Balkans and neighboring regions. This involves the transfer of knowledge from countries with operational CTLs to all partner countries. The primary goals include knowledge transfer, the establishment of CTLs, the development of educational materials, and the formation of a sustainable network known as BalkanNetUP (Balkan Network for University Pedagogy).

Start: 2023

End: 2025

Project Reference: 101083006 — MAGNET

Programme: Erasmus+

Key Action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Action Type: Strategic Partnerships for higher education

Coordinator: Democritus University of Thrace (GR)

Partners: South East European University (North Macedonia), Democritus University of Thrace (Greece), University of Sarajevo (BiH),

SEEU contact person: Vjosa Vela

Other staff engaged: Merita Ismaili, Lumturije Bajrami, Elena Spirovska, Shpresa Hasani, Shefik Osmani

Project webpage: https://magnet-project.eu/

Brochure

A brochure was distributed among higher education institutions in North Macedonia outlining the BalkaNetUP project. This document highlighted the project’s goals, initiatives, operational framework, and collaborative efforts. It aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of how the project intends to function and the synergies it seeks to foster among academic institutions. BalkaNetUP will provide a range of educational activities, including conferences, webinars, workshops, and counselling sessions focused on Higher Education Pedagogy. The project is actively involved in conducting and disseminating research and surveys. It also facilitates the sharing of best practices and materials. Additionally, members of BalkaNetUP enjoy various benefits, enhancing their engagement and experience with the project.

Project outputs

1. Research and Needs Analysis

Research and Needs Analysis of the didactic staff of all participating Higher Education Institutes, to bring out their teaching needs. Research and Needs Analysis of the didactic staff of all participating Higher Education Institutes, to bring out their teaching needs. The present teaching and learning methods were assessed using the teachers' questionnaire, thereby facilitating the identification of strengths and weaknesses, as well as the recognition of opportunities for improvement in our educational practices.

2. Actions

Actions to be taken at an institutional and national level leading to the establishment of CTLs.

3. BALKANETUP

The launching of BALKANETUP for all HEI, bringing together academic communities from the West Balkan area. The launching of BALKANETUP for all HEI, bringing together academic communities from the BALKANETUP is a collaborative community comprising Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs), scholars, HEI academic staff members, higher/adult education experts, stakeholders, and organizations focused on University Pedagogy, Adult Education, and Lifelong Learning in the Western Balkans region. The mission of BALKANETUP is to strengthen connections among its members, fostering the exchange of best practices in teaching and learning. This involves implementing modern, innovative, transformative, competency-oriented, and student-centered teaching strategies in HEIs. BALKANETUP serves as a supportive and collaborative community of educators dedicated to enhancing their practices and improving the quality of education for students. Members actively engage in learning from each other, sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices. The vision of BALKANETUP is to encourage cooperation among its members in the Western Balkans region, aiming to enhance academic staff development through contemporary methods. BALKANETUP focuses on improving the pedagogical skills of academic staff across various disciplines. It strives to achieve this through sustainable actions, addressing general and specific topics to encompass all disciplines and scientific areas. Key objectives include: Encouraging collaboration among teaching staff at HEIs. Providing opportunities for ongoing professional development and training. Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement among teachers. Promoting innovation and creativity in teaching methodologies. Supporting teachers in addressing challenges in their roles. Advocating for the importance of Higher Education and the role of academics in shaping the future. The main goals of the BALKANETUP network encompass know-how transfer related to CTL foundation, production of educational materials, support for research, and partnerships with academics, scholars, experts, stakeholders, HEIs, and organizations, all aimed at creating a modern pedagogical culture in Western Balkans Higher Education. BALKANETUP organizes various educational activities for academic staff, including conferences, seminars, webinars, workshops, and counseling in the field of Higher Education Pedagogy. Additionally, it conducts and publishes research/surveys, shares good practices, materials, and literature on teaching and learning methods across diverse fields and disciplines.

4. Design and function

The design and function of an e-platform to support BALKANETUP, for communication and sharing of all deliverables of MAGNET project.

5. Development

The process of needs analysis will start with defining the goals and objectives of the training/ professional development sessions, which might differ depending on the Faculty programmes, the educational background of the academic staff and the specific needs related to the educational context and other specific requirements. The course content will depend on these characteristics, with variations in the supplementary materials in accordance with the Faculty needs. Relevant theories from the field of Pedagogy and Educational Psychology, as well as the best teaching and learning practices, will be included in the course content and development. Following the course design, the organization of the training sessions is implemented. The length and the frequency of the training sessions will be determined in agreement with the academic staff. Development of training courses based on the Needs Analysis and an intensive literature review, in the form of pilot, field-focused, modules/courses with assigned ECTS that will be launched face-to- face or via eLearning methods.