The “Learning and Teaching Innovations in Higher Education” workshop, held from November 20 to 23, 2024, in Girona, Spain, brought together educators and academic leaders to explore transformative practices in higher education. Hosted by the University of Girona (UdG), this four-day event was a platform for meaningful dialogue, innovative learning experiences, and cultural immersion.

The workshop began with an institutional welcome at the University of Girona (UdG), setting the tone for a collaborative and enriching program. The first day introduced participants to foundational methodologies designed to enhance teaching and learning in higher education. In a session led by Dolors Cañabate and Jordi Colomer, participants explored cooperative learning, emphasizing the value of shared journeys and mutual engagement in fostering academic success. This was followed by an insightful session on project-based learning with Jaume Puig and Mónica González, where attendees discussed the integration of real-world projects to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The afternoon concluded with a dynamic discussion on the flipped classroom model, guided by Cristina Bosch and Albert Lladó, which demonstrated the benefits of interactive and student-centered teaching approaches.

The second day delved into innovative assessment practices and experiential learning. Lidia Feliu and Joan Josep Sunyol led a session on modern assessment and evaluation techniques, encouraging participants to embrace formative methods that support continuous improvement. In another session, Joaquim Comas and Helena Benito introduced the principles of problem-based learning, where students engage deeply with subject matter by solving real-world problems. Eulalia Guiu and Anaïs Varó rounded out the day with an inspiring discussion on service learning, showcasing how community engagement can create powerful and impactful educational experiences. The day ended with future planning, with participants revisiting key insights from the workshop and identifying concrete steps to implement what they had learned.  An evening cultural event celebrated the group’s diversity through music, local cuisine, and vibrant exchanges of ideas, fostering a spirit of collaboration.

The third day featured a diverse program that bridged academic learning with broader themes of inclusivity and cultural exchange. A session on “Inclusiveness in Digital Communication” was led by Eleni Modou from Youthmakers Hub. The session focused on how digital platforms can be leveraged to foster inclusivity, breaking down barriers to communication and ensuring equitable access to knowledge. Participants explored strategies to integrate inclusive practices into digital tools and platforms, enriching their institutions’ communication strategies. The consortium also met Xavier Aldeguer, Councillor for Innovation, Talent, Health, and Community of the Girona City Council & Aminata Sabaly Balde, Councillor for Cooperation & Councillor for Equality and Social Justice and discussed with them the essential role of higher education as well as potential collaborations. 

In the afternoon, participants engaged in reflective activities and group discussions to consolidate their learning and strategize actionable plans for their institutions.  The day was capped off with a guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks, including its medieval walls and iconic Jewish Quarter, offering a glimpse into Girona’s unique blend of history and modernity. 

The final day was dedicated to a tour of Costa Brava and the surrounding cities, including picturesque seaside towns and breathtaking coastal landscapes. This cultural excursion provided an inspiring backdrop for informal discussions and deepened connections among attendees.

The “Learning and Teaching Innovations in Higher Education” workshop not only advanced innovative practices in higher education but also celebrated the power of inclusivity, cultural exchange, and shared purpose. With new ideas, strengthened networks, and unforgettable memories, the participants left Girona inspired to drive positive change in their academic communities.