The Medical University of Plovdiv took part in the First General Meeting of partners on ERASMUS+ CBHE Project No. 101083006 – MAGNET (Managerial and Governance Enhancement through Teaching) from August 31st to September, 2nd 2023.
The meeting was attended by representatives of all twelve partners from the Balkan region: DEMOCRIT University of Thrace; University of PATRAS; LOGOS University College; European University of TETOVO; University of SARAJEVO; University “Alexandru Moisiu”,DURRËS; University of Arts, BELGRADE; University “Doña Gorica”, PODGORICA; International Business College – MITROVICA; University of PRISHTINA; University of BANJA LUKA; Medical University of PLOVDIV.
DEMOCRIT University of Thrace, Greece and Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria participated online, the other partners – in person.
The first general meeting was hosted by LOGOS University College, Tirana, Albania, whose organization and preparation provided excellent conditions for collaboration, an efficient working environment, high quality guest services and impeccable technological and media communications.
The Medical University of Plovdiv was represented by Professor Ani Belcheva, PhD, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of the Medical University of Plovdiv and Project Coordinator for Bulgaria; Associate professor Boyan Vladimirov, PhD, Institutional Erasmus Coordinator; Associate professor Ani Epitropova, PhD, Vive-Dean for Research and Project Activities and International Cooperation, Faculty of Pedagogy, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” and members of the project administrative team from the Medical University of Plovdiv.
The agenda of the meeting included important discussion topics in several directions: the achievements so far; the problems in implementation; the long-term perspective plan; the most important tasks ahead in the first days and weeks after the meeting, outlined by the achievements so far; the milestones that mark the important points on the way to their realization.
Professor Dr. Ani Belcheva presented the Medical University of Plovdiv with a presentation (by authors Prof. A. Belcheva, Assoc. prof. B. Vladimirov, Assoc. prof. A. Epitropova), focused on the results of Activity 1 of the project – Research and analysis of training needs. The complex theme was developed in several sections. In Part I “Educational Resources – Traditions and Innovations” the Project Coordinator presented the resources, technological capacity and structures of the Medical University of Plovdiv created to support the accelerated implementation of digital technologies in education.
Part II – Prof. Dr. A. Belcheva presented complex results of research in perspective and current plan: Resources for research and analysis of learning needs and student needs. For a more comprehensive assessment of the quality of training, Prof. Belcheva presented the collaborative results collected and processed by the Education Department and the members of the University Quality Committee, with conclusions and recommendations from Bulgarian and foreign learners to improve the educational environment and achieve even higher results in education in a digital environment.
Particularly interesting and appreciated by the participants was Part III of the presentation by prof. Belcheva – results of the processing of a survey (presented by the coordinators – DEMOCRIT University of Thrace, Greece) for the lecturers of the Medical University of Plovdiv. Prof. Belcheva, together with Asoc. prof. Epitropova, presented conclusions based on pedagogical and methodological considerations, analyzed the results of the self-assessment survey within the MAGNET project – Partial results and summaries.
The analysis of the results indicated by young teachers, up to 34 years old, with teaching experience up to 5 and up to 10 years (maximum), who really appreciate the advantages of digital education, the new didactic methodology and the change in the strategy of training courses that put the student at the center of an interactive educational process, was evaluated.
The analysis highlighted the impact of young academics on the quality of higher education. The importance of solid subject knowledge combined with effective teaching methods for optimal results was appreciated.
The study showed a preference for mixed learning approaches and innovative teaching techniques. Prof. Belcheva emphatically argued the need and importance of establishing a collaborative center for teaching and learning (CTL) to improve: (1) professional development of teachers and (2) student engagement.
The project coordinator pointed out that the mission of creating and fully functioning a center for teaching and learning will be fulfilled and the vision will become a reality through the implementation of the MAGNET project and the implementation of the successful practices of the current CTL at the Medical University of Plovdiv. Prof. Belcheva presented a vision for the CTL center of the Medical University of Plovdiv in the upcoming opening of the University’s educational building and the planned equipment – the University’s contribution to the project.
The participants from the Medical University of Plovdiv were active participants in the discussions generated by the presentation and the materials presented to the participants in the meeting, demonstrating the progress of the partner Universities and focusing on the communication activities undertaken or planned in the near future under the project. The topics were as follows:
– Mission and Vision of the Balkan Network for University Pedagogy (BalkaNetUP);
– LOGOS Centre for Teaching and Learning – CTL legal and regulatory instruments;
– Massive Open Online Courses – Tirana – structure, development and specifics is edX platform
– Implementation of the project at the University of Sarajevo related to the results of the DIGI.EDU project; establishment of a Centre for Professional Learning for academic and non-academic staff (CTL);
– University of Banja Luka – presentation of the results of a needs assessment for vocational training; contribution to the framework of principles underlying the Balkan Network of CTL Centres – BALCANETUP;
– Continuing Education Programmes for the teaching staff of the University of Banja Luka, etc.
The project coordinator Prof. Dr. A. Belcheva, Associate professor Vladimirov and Associate professor A. Epitropova discussed the WORK PLAN presented by the Greek coordinator until December 2023, mandatory for the successful implementation of the project’s goals:
1/ Building a CTL – Centre for Teaching and Learning
2/ Building a curriculum and learning content of MOOC courses for each higher education institution
3/ Promote MAGNET – video, banners, websites, press releases, radio, TV, social media, etc.
4/ Promoting and attracting partners to join BALKANETUP.
5/ Submitting comments to the MAGNET website and to the BALKANETUP principles document
A meeting was planned between the teams of the Medical University of Plovdiv and the representative of Plovdiv University with the aim:
1/ To start seminars, workshops, training cycles, etc. to train at least 60 representatives of the teaching staff.
3/ Promotion of MAGNET.
4/ To complete the content for the MOOC by 31st December 2023.
5/ To send comments on the MAGNET website and to enrich the Universities’ own websites with current events.
6/ To send comments on the BALKANETUP document by 12 September 2023 with a view to adapting it as a statute for the new university centres.
7/ To regularly report events according to the communication plan for publicity and information on the project (print and electronic media, hard copy information materials, web sites and social networks).
8/ To complete materials for a final publication that will be based on the results of the activities, including best practices and research reports..
Prof. Ani Velcheva, MD
Vice–Rector for Educational Activities
Coordinator of MAGNET Project
