Gamification, moot courts, simulation in learning, concept maps and smart tools in teaching spaces are some of the new pedagogical priorities at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa. A new prototype room is also being developed in order to give all teachers the opportunity to test teaching methodologies in a period that is marked by the challenges imposed by the pandemic caused by COVID-19.
Pedagogical practices were discussed within the scope of NOVA Quality Day. Several university professors, gathered by video call, responded to the challenge launched by the first NOVA Quality Meeting dedicated to the theme “Teaching Quality at NOVA: Pedagogical Practices”.
Gamification was the common theme for the presentation of Guilherme Victorino, NOVA IMS and Ricardo Gil Pereira, NOVA School of Business & Economics. With more than eight years of experience in gamification, Professor Guilherme Victorino highlights that the platform allows the use of simulators and students receive feedback on their learning. “It is an experience that stays in people's memories, it lasts, unlike what happens with other types of content.” Ricardo Gil Pereira says that he has 160 students within the "game" and stresses that "accelerating the innovation process" is only possible "without fear" and with "the support of organizations".
Francisco Pereira Coutinho, from NOVA School of Law, shared his experience of moot courts, a methodology based on "role playing" and learning through "problem solving". Moot courts are aimed at law students, enhancing “autonomy, research, writing and public speaking skills”. "The students learn to think for themselves."
In turn, Pedro Marvão of NOVA Medical School, revealed the positive feedback from some students regarding simulation in learning in the context of medical training. Students were given the possibility, for example, to gain a greater understanding of various medical examinations. Pedro Marvão says that many students considered this way of learning “beneficial” since they still have no experience with patients.
Also from NOVA Medical School, Marta Fonseca, highlighted the experience of pathophysiology since the 90s, as well as the implementation of concept maps in connection with PBL (Problem-Based Learning), that is, problem-based learning. This method aims to develop the ability to reason based on clinical problems. Through the visual maps tool, where some concepts are hidden, students are challenged to fill the “gaps”. Thus, it is intended to stimulate their learning.
On behalf of NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), Professor Roberto Henriques spoke with enthusiasm about the implementation of interactive whiteboards and robotic cameras, which allow distance learning. The professor, who believes that 2020 is a year of change, ended the presentation by quoting the English writer C.S.Lewis: “I thought that we followed paths already made, but it seems that there are not. Our going is the way. ”