In late September 2024, the University of Split, specifically the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, hosted the SEA-EU Staff Week titled “Fostering Educational Excellence and Development of Higher Education Quality through Transversal Skills”. Held from September 24 to 26, this event gathered educators, administrators, and non-teaching staff from various SEA-EU partner institutions, aiming to promote excellence in higher education through the development of transversal skills—skills essential to personal, social, and professional well-being.
Promoting Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Hidden Curriculum
The three-day program was meticulously designed to enhance the quality of teaching and institutional standards by offering a diverse array of lectures, discussions, and collaborative opportunities. The opening session, led by Full Professor Ina Reić Ercegovac, set the stage for in-depth explorations of critical thinking, student creativity, and hidden curriculum—topics introduced in keynote presentations by renowned experts like Associate Professors Morana Koludrović and Bruno Ćurko. Professor Tonća Jukić highlighted that creativity is a personal choice that often involves social risks. She emphasized the role of educators in encouraging students to embrace creativity despite these challenges. Their insights encouraged participants to reflect on how critical thinking and creativity could be better integrated into academic programs to foster holistic student development.
The Need for Teacher Training and Awareness
One of the event’s highlights was the panel discussion on “The Need for Teacher Awareness and Training in Hidden Curriculum”, moderated by Assistant Professor Ivan Buljan. Participants debated how educators, often unknowingly, shape students’ values and worldviews, and how this aspect of teaching requires more structured awareness and training. This conversation was complemented by other important sessions such as the development of inclusive educational environments, led by Assistant Professor Toni Maglica, which emphasized strategies for embracing diversity and promoting equality within institutions.
Addressing Socio-Cultural Factors in Student Performance
Throughout the week, several speakers touched upon the socio-cultural factors affecting students’ performance. Associate Professor Morana Koludrović examined the influence of media on student behavior, while Associate Professors Zorana Šuljug Vučica and Ivana Visković explored the effects of social and family environments on academic performance. It helped participants understand the external pressures that students face, while ideas for supporting students from challenging backgrounds were presented. The second day concluded with a panel moderated by Assistant Professor Nikša Varezić on advancing excellence in higher education, fostering collaboration, and enhancing teaching quality.
Focus on Sustainability and Service-Learning
The Staff Week also focused on more forward-looking themes. Assistant Professor Ivana Restović spoke about the role of sustainability in higher education, urging institutions to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Moreover, a compelling presentation by Ivana Jadrić emphasized the transformative potential of service-learning—an educational approach that integrates community service with instruction and reflection to enrich learning experiences.
Conclusion
In summary, the SEA-EU Staff Week was a pivotal event for the University of Split and its partners, enhancing knowledge exchange, cooperation, and the overall quality of higher education. This initiative directly supports Work Package 2 of the SEA-EU Alliance, which aims to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through innovative practices and shared experiences across Europe and Southeast Asia. The emphasis on transversal skills aligns perfectly with SEA-EU’s strategic goals of fostering inclusive, sustainable, and high-quality education that prepares students to face contemporary global challenges.
