Innovation in Action: Pedagogical Innovation Bootcamp at the Open University of Portugal

Between 12th and 14th January 2026, the Open University of Portugal (UAb) hosted a Pedagogical Innovation Bootcamp, bringing together academics from the Social Sciences and Environmental Sciences degree programmes, including several researchers from the Environmental Societies and Sustainability Research Group Extension at the Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, Associated Laboratory TERRA of the University of Coimbra and its Extension at the Open University of Portugal.

The Open University is developing a series of Pedagogical Innovation Bootcamps, bringing together academics from different scientific fields to reflect on and work collaboratively towards updating its Pedagogical Model.

This commitment by UAb to the continuous improvement of distance learning quality promotes more innovative, flexible and student-centred pedagogical practices, with direct impact on academic success and reducing student dropout rates.

Throughout the sessions, participants were challenged to rethink teaching methodologies, assessment strategies and ways to promote more effective learning experiences in an environment of interdisciplinary co-creation and knowledge sharing.

This interdisciplinary dialogue between Social Sciences and Environmental Sciences represents a vital step towards more integrated and effective teaching practices for 21st-century students.