The BALKANETUP is a learning and practice community comprising Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs), scholars and HEI academic staff members, higher/adult education experts and stakeholders as well as organizations working in the fields of University Pedagogy, Adult Education, and Lifelong Learning interested in teaching and learning in Higher Education in the Western Balkans region.

During its initial phase, the BALKANETUP is launched and organized within the MAGNET project. The BALKANETUP is managed by its Assembly, which includes all members and is led by a three-member Steering Committee.

Mission and Vision

The BALKANETUP ’s mission is to strengthen the relations among its members in order to promote the exchange of best practices in teaching and learning through the implementation of modern, innovative, transformative, competency-oriented and student-centered teaching strategies in HEIs.

The BALKANETUP is, therefore, a supportive and sharing community of educators committed to improving their practice and enhancing the quality of education for their students. This community provides an active context that permits its members to learn from each other, to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices.

The vision of the BALKANETUP is to seek and promote cooperation among its members in the Western Balkans region in order to enhance academic staff development using the most contemporary methods.

The BALKANETUP aims at improving the pedagogical skills of academic staff  in various areas, through sustainable actions, divided into general and specific topics in order to address all disciplines and scientific areas. It works towards:
– encouraging the teaching staff of HEIs to collaborate,
– sharing and 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 the challenges they face as part of their teaching roles, advocating for the importance of Higher Education and the role of academics in shaping the future.

Thus, the main objectives of the BALKANETUP network include the know-how transfer concerning the foundation of CTLs, the production of educational material, support of research and partnerships with academics, scholars, experts, stakeholders, HEIs and organizations focused on creating a modern pedagogical culture in the Western Balkans Higher Education.

The BALKANETUP organizes a range of educational activities for academic staff, including conferences, seminars, webinars, workshops, and counselling in the field of Higher Education Pedagogy, while it conducts and publishes research/surveys, shares good practices, material and literature on teaching and learning methods in diverse fields and disciplines.

Profile of the BALKANETUP

The BALKANETUP is dedicated to promoting modern and innovative teaching strategies in HEIs across the Western Balkans. Hence, the network is open to HEIs, organizations involved in Lifelong Learning, and individuals interested in Higher Education Pedagogy. The network may also collaborate with national and international associations, ministries, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.

To make the networking more effective, members cooperate with each other, provide staff training, conduct, support and distribute research and activities via an e-platform, initially established by the MAGNET project  and also communicate through online forums, social media, and newsletters. The network places a strong emphasis on ICT with a high degree of digitization, by developing digital skills for academics through new media and technology training in capacity-building education programs.

The BALKANETUP also establishes and maintains connections with existing European networks and seeks partnerships in relevant projects.

Finally, the BALKANETUP, at the institutional level, supports the foundation of CTLs, the publication of information and news about the MAGNET project and other relevant and similar projects.

Sustainability

The field of Pedagogy at HEIs requires fundamental development, including modern systemic solutions in the organization of faculty work while monitoring social aspects in the field of education. Creating a network that serves as a repository of both well established and cutting-edge literature and materials related to this field is feasible. Ensuring the proper functioning and continuity of the BALKANETUP after the completion of the MAGNET project, members should not only continue supporting this community but also expand it with new members from countries of the Western Balkan countries and beyond, including public and private universities, institutions, educational organizations within Higher Education, and individuals.

By prioritizing the sharing of knowledge and best practices, the BALKANETUP could foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in teaching and learning in Higher Education. To ensure the sustainability, the BALKANETUP should explore possible partnerships with organizations and institutions, whose resources and expertise can enhance its program and initiatives. This could help to increase the network’s visibility and influence and sustain its influence and relevance over time.

To achieve this goal, the BALKANETUP is based on a clear purpose and goals that are communicated to its members. Encouraging active participation from members is crucial for the sustainability of this network and can be achieved by active participation in organized regular meetings, discussions, webinars and training sessions that are relevant to the needs of the members. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key components of a sustainable networking. The BALKANETUP can create opportunities for its members to collaborate on projects, share best practices, and learn from each other. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the network through regular feedback from members, measure the impact of network activities, and make changes in order to improve the network’s sustainability and effectiveness.

Communication method

To ensure effective communication, the BALKANETUP communication plan that outlines objectives, audiences, and communication methods is set up. By using a combination of communication methods, BALKANETUP can create a dynamic and engaging network where members can collaborate on projects and initiatives that enhance University Pedagogy in the Western Balkans.

The BALKANETUP members have various communication methods to choose from, depending on their preferences and resources. To ensure that all members have access to communication with each other, an e-platform for online storage and mailings and newsletters is provided through the MAGNET project. To stay connected and informed, members can participate in an online Forum, but also to all kinds of (e) meetings, webinars, conferences, and joint events. Other communication methods include video conferencing, collaboration tools like Google Drive, and websites. Moreover, an annual meeting providing an opportunity for a face-to-face communication between members could be an option.

More information: https://magnet-project.eu/

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