One of the milestones of the future of the Ludovika – University of Public Service maybe the Creative Learning Program, which is better adapted to the changed learning habits and ideas of the young generation than the current system – which was mentioned at an online conference.
Several domestic and international studies prove that members of the so-called Generation Z already think differently about learning and the role of educators than previous generations. Today’s teenagers no longer think that the teacher is the sole custodian of knowledge, as previous interpretations of credit and respect have changed. New things and adventure are important to young people, and they are much less resistant to monotony than older people. In addition, this means that education must adapt to changed habits and needs, and due to this, Generation Z must be better understood. Ludovika – University of Public Service also considers this as an important task; that is why professional work has started in the institution to develop the Creative Learning Program. „Due to declining recruitment numbers, a new approach is needed that pays more attention to Generation Z thinking. We need to offer them attractive training and perspectives, hence new methods are needed for that” – said Colonel László Christián, Vice-Rector for Education at the event. According to the Vice-Rector, we should not be afraid of change, but it is good to move one step at a time. Among the most important tasks, he listed the goals set out in the Institutional Development Plan, such as strengthening mentoring, prioritizing on small-group education, even personal training, or developing key competencies. It was also mentioned that the Creative Learning Working Group and Creative Learning Research Workshop established last year, play important role in the institution’s tasks. At the current event, good practices and existing experiences gathered so far will be presented to those who are interested. "This conference is an example, we examine where we are, where we are heading and what is needed for further development" - said Dr. László Christián.
The leader of the working group and the research workshop Assistant Professor Tamás Méhes, who said that lecturers and students also participate in the activities of the working group, and meet on a monthly basis. The primary task of the organization is to develop a concept and create a strategy, as well as a project to support and manage creative learning. According to the expert, the successful implementation of the program requires the participation of all university citizens, which is why, for example, a network of educators is created to support this project on a daily basis. The foundations of the strategy will be defined in Q1. Mr. Tamás Méhes also said that they would like to create a service “basket” that would be constantly filled with trainings, programs and good practices. From these, educators could freely choose and the offer would be continuously expanded.
At the online event, Mrs. Dalma Dominek, assistant professor and office manager, had a presentation on the challenges of innovative higher education, and Mrs. Judit Hegedűs, associate professor, spoke about what higher education workers think about education and how they experience difficulties and challenges. Brigadier General Gábor Kovács, a university professor, spoke about the unity of theory and practice through the presentation of the Ludovika Joint Public Service Practices, and assistant professor Nóra Barnucz spoke about the application of innovative methods in language education. In the workshop following the lectures, the participants reacted on the creative, innovative work in the departments, as well as their needs and requests for improvements. The members of the teaching network will be responsible for monitoring the education and teaching methodology work in their own departments and helping their own colleagues accessing information and methodologies.