UACES Doctoral Training Academy 2024

The UACES Graduate Forum is delighted to invite PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to the 2024 Doctoral Training Academy (DTA) - an annual event offering practical support and professional development for those pursuing research in European Studies and related fields. This year's DTA is in association with the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic, which is kindly hosting us for this event.

This year’s DTA focuses on an essential aspect of academic careers: Teaching.

As a growing number of academic positions require PhD and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to take on significant teaching responsibilities, the training programme will include roundtable discussions, expert-led talks, and interactive workshops designed to equip participants with the skills needed to manage both research and teaching duties effectively.  

These sessions will concentrate on best practices for balancing teaching and research, allowing participants to improve their skills and knowledge to better address today's academic challenges.

Key sessions of this year’s DTA will be: 

Session 1: Practical Strategies for balancing teaching and research without compromising quality or mental well-being. 

Balancing the demands of pursuing a PhD while also teaching can be overwhelming. This session is designed to empower participants with practical strategies to excel in both areas. By mastering time management, selecting relevant readings, and integrating research topics into teaching, PhD students can enhance their academic journey. Additionally, understanding how teaching can enrich their research experience will provide them with a dual advantage in their academic and professional growth. 

Speakers: Dr Michal Parízek (Charles University), Dr Eliska Tomalová (Charles University), Dr Emilija Tudzarovska (Czech Academy of Sciences)

Session 2: Key challenges with undergraduate and graduate students: Understanding and navigating different needs and expectations across various academic levels.

Teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels comes with unique challenges, from capturing attention to addressing diverse educational backgrounds. This session will motivate participants to explore innovative methods, such as utilising social networks and interactive techniques, to engage students effectively. It also tackles the complexities of addressing tricky questions and managing the varying levels of background knowledge among students. The session will further address the importance of understanding and navigating gender issues in the classroom, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. 

Speakers: Dr Monika Brusenbauch Meislová (Masaryk University), Dr Viera Martinková (Charles University), Dr Lucie Tungul (Palacky University)

Session 3: Teaching sensitive topics: Approaches to handling sensitive issues while respecting diverse student perspectives. 

In an increasingly globalised and diverse educational environment, teaching sensitive topics requires a high level of awareness, empathy, and skill. This session is designed to help participants navigate the complexities of sensitive topics, such as issues related to conflicting regions, gender, biases, and disinformation. The goal is to empower them to approach these topics with confidence and sensitivity, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. 

Speakers: Dr Irena Kalhousová (Charles University), Prof Tomáš Weiss (Charles University), Dr Olga Litvyak (Danube University Krems)

Session 4: Training Session: Building authority and addressing difficult questions: Tips for establishing a confident teaching presence and addressing challenging questions with poise. 

Establishing authority in the classroom while remaining approachable is a delicate balance that every teacher must know. This session will provide participants with the skills to build and maintain authority effectively, even when faced with challenging or difficult questions. By exploring techniques for asserting confidence and credibility, participants can foster a positive and respectful classroom dynamic. The session will also cover strategies for handling difficult questions with poise, ensuring that educators feel prepared and empowered to maintain control of their classroom while encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking. 

Workshop coordinators: Dr Olga Litvyak (Danube University Krems), Elena Simanschi (Barcelona Institute for International Studies)

In addition to these valuable sessions, the DTA provides an excellent networking opportunity for those engaged in similar research areas, fostering connections that can support your research and career development. 

Click here to download the full programme. Registration is free and open to PhD students and ECRs worldwide who are engaged in research on contemporary Europe or the European Union. The deadline to register is 15th November 2024.