2024 Teaching & Learning Conference

The 4th edition of the anual ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference took place in Tartu. From 7 - 9 October (2024), more than 230 students, teachers and educators from the ENLIGHT partners gathered to share examples of innovative teaching, network and look at collaboration opportunities. Part of the programme could be followed online. The UG was also present and participated in workshops, discussions and gave presentations. In addition to this participation, Meghan Muldoon was nominated for the Teaching and Learning award for her master’s level course “Critical Tourism Studies” and Adham Alaa Ibrahim El-Dabaa Ahmed received a Diversity Award for his project “Break the Fast”. The UG is proud to participate in this event and of the collaboration of all the wonderful colleagues in attendance and of those nominated for an award.

Impressions from UG Participants:

Adham’s information and social outreach event (Ramadan “Break the Fast”) was nominated for the ENLIGHT Inclusion Award. Break the Fast shared third place for this award due its community impact and inclusivity of different communities. Given the social and political context, it’s very important to raise the voices and sense of belonging of the Muslim community at the University, as well as raising awareness for non-Muslim students and staff, which Adham’s project contributed to.

Adham Alaa Ibrahim Eldabaa Ahmed (University of Groningen Student, Faculty of Economics and Business)

“Every effort worthy of an award started with an idea. My idea was to organize an enjoyable event that represents a community from outside of the Netherlands.

Winning this award granted me the wonderful opportunity to attend the Enlight conference in Tartu. Attendees from various European countries were present, and in addition to receiving my award, I felt delighted to represent the institution at the event as a non-European attendee. My award was a hand crafted porcelain lighthouse, resembling the Enlight logo. While the award was very thoughtful, the true rewarding experience for me was seeing my message resonate with the audience. 

I received praise from participants across the many various universities throughout Europe. The attendees agreed with my points on the value of representation and how embracing one another's cultures may be an engaging and instructive way to handle diverse groups more effectively. This recognition was truly rewarding, and I hope that this experience will now ignite a light in people’s minds that could lead to more great ideas."

Malini Miles-Christiansen (Management Assistant, TEM co-coordinator)

“I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the ENLIGHT Conference in Tartu 2024. It is not always that I am able to take a wider view of my work, and of the things that seem to be happening parallel to each other at different universities. The conference gave me a real understanding of the international aspects of the challenges that the teaching community faces, and how it may seem like we're functioning according to standard measures - whereas the reality is actually very different! These differences in approaches are quickly exposed in such intense conditions where brainstorming, networking and cooperating are the underlying currents, and become the foundation to many great conversations. Not to mention, Tartu University and Tartu itself are so beautiful and historic! “

Catherine Meissner (Curriculum Developer, EQUIPPING, International Classroom project)

“As we arrive in the charming university city of Tartu, the sun is shining, and autumn has already settled in. We’re here for the ENLIGHT Conference on Teaching and Learning, and for many colleagues like myself, it’s not our first time. There’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air for the days ahead.

The first day kicks off with breakfast at the hotel, accompanied by a lively discussion about interdisciplinary education and the importance of keeping an open mind to diverse perspectives. This is what I truly appreciate about this conference—it’s genuinely focused on teaching and learning, with all participants sharing a passionate interest in education. Another reason it’s one of my favourite conferences is the active involvement of students in shaping the programme. Many presentations and workshops are co-presented with students, which naturally brings a valuable student perspective into the discussions.

At the end of the day, I find myself in conversation with two STEM students about my presentation on inclusive assessment. Their insights make me realise that I should consider disciplinary differences when thinking about assessment methods. As we stroll along the river toward the welcome dinner, I reflect on this with two colleagues, and we decide to set up a collaborative project between Groningen and Bordeaux—our shared interest in the topic, coupled with our diverse perspectives, makes it an exciting opportunity.

Back in Groningen, we’ve already scheduled a meeting. Once again, this conference hasn’t just been a source of inspiration; it’s given me a concrete opportunity to learn from and collaborate with colleagues from the incredible ENLIGHT network.”

Meghan L. Muldoon (Assistant Professor, Sustainable Tourism & Society, Campus Fryslân)

Meghan Muldoon’s masters level course, Critical Tourism Studies, was nominated for a teaching and learning award. The course was driven by critical conversations regarding the social, cultural, environmental, health and well-being, economic, and political impacts of global tourism in the 21st century.

"Although I was unable to attend the conference this year, I feel that the RUG was well represented by a former Cultural Geography Master's student, Monica van der Veen, who attended in my stead. It was an honour to have my course, Critical Tourism Studies, representing the RUG at this important conference. Events like the ENLIGHT conference are incubators for sharing innovative ideas regarding teaching pedagogies and bringing together like-minded practitioners who see the value in trying new and creative approaches to teaching at the university. ENLIGHT is an important network focusing on sustainability, innovation, and social justice in its partner organizations, and these are priorities that I cherish and am happy to be a part of the RUG's commitment to social change and transformative actions."

The next ENLIGHT Teaching Learning Conference will be hosted by the University of Uppsala on October 8 -10, 2025.

We look forward to seeing you there!