A new edition of the event took place on December 11th. Innovation Day, organized by the Directorate of Educational Innovation of the Universidad Austral.

With a focus on metacognition, the event invited participants to rethink educational methods to enrich classrooms and generate a transformative impact on teaching and learning, in line with the 2028 Strategic Plan.

Julián Rodríguez, the University's rector, opened the event, during which he emphasized the importance of innovating from the core and reflected on the purpose that drives the Austral community: “To innovate and reach the frontiers of knowledge, we must first renew our passion for teaching. Our goal is not only to train excellent professionals, but also good people committed to society.”

The opening colloquium was led by Carina Lion, PhD in Education; Francisco Albarello, Director of the PhD Program in Communication; Santiago Bellomo, Dean of the School of Education; and moderated by Florencia Moore, Director of Educational Innovation at the University. During this session, the challenges and opportunities of innovation in university teaching were addressed, with a special emphasis on how emerging technologies, active methodologies, and students' interest in learning can transform the educational experience.

Recognition of good practices

One of the highlights of Innovation Day It was the awards ceremony for the winning experiences of the First Internal Competition for Innovative Practices in University Teaching in Austral. This first competition aimed to highlight initiatives that are making a difference in classrooms and to promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Belén Pagone, a professor of General Economics in all five undergraduate programs at the Faculty of Business Sciences, won first prize. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the value of teamwork and ongoing dialogue with students: “This award is a tremendous joy because it reflects the work done with dedication and passion, always focused on transforming the students' experience and ensuring it resonates with them. It has been a learning journey, with trial and error since the pandemic, but always in dialogue with them, who are the true protagonists.”

CONTEST WINNERS:

1.  Experience – Reformulation of the teaching and learning of Economics. Teacher: Belén Pagone
2. DIS BA Experience (Design for Social Impact Buenos Aires) Professors: María Sánchez, Guadalupe Muchevicz.
3.  Integrative Practical Work Experience. Teachers: María Angélica Moya, Ignacio Núñez, María Candelaria Rivas, Martín Ignacio Gaddi, Kahlil Stessens.

SPECIAL MENTIONS:

• COP simulation in the shadows (FD)
  • María Pía Devoto, Sofía del Carril.
• The agency (FCE)
  • Ernesto Sala, María Pico Estrada, Marianela Guglielmo, Paz D Amico, Agustín Brea.
• Interprofessional Training Program (FCB)
  • Carolina Astoul Bonorino, Dolores Latugaye, Juan Bosch, Silvina Creus, Natalia Ayala.
• Service learning (FCE)
  • Adriana Raffaelli, María Eugenia González Recalde.
• Job interviews in psychology (FCB)
  • Candelaria Mocoroa, Juan Francisco Gómez
• Self-assessment and metacognition (FD)
  • María Inés Montserrat, Verónica Domínguez.

An inspiring ending

The event concluded with reflections from Lourdes Perea Muñoz, Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs, who emphasized the importance of purpose in educational innovation: “We innovate to train competent professionals and individuals committed to society. This drive stems from the desire and passion to better serve our students.” She also acknowledged the work of the Directorate of Educational Innovation, whose ongoing efforts promote improvements to the educational model and a redefinition of in-person learning.

El Innovation Day 2024 reaffirmed the commitment of Universidad Austral with academic excellence, creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, fundamental pillars to face the challenges of the future.