Analysis of the evolution of a lecturer Steam-training program based on competencies in an hybrid context

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present an innovative lecturer’s training program developed at UPC-BarcelonaTech while transitioning to a semi-presential hybrid scenario due to the pandemic. This “Postgraduate Degree in University Teaching in STEAM” was designed based on the teaching competencies that a lecturer should possess in Engineering-related subjects. Focus was placed on a final project to help lecturers implement innovations in class with their students. When the confinement due to the pandemic started, it was evident that many lecturers had a clear deficit on digital competencies to conduct their teaching on-line. This paper presents an analysis on the changes undertaken in the program after a year of hybrid teaching, their impact on the teachers and on the participants of the program. A more flexible syllabus, the addition of digital education courses for lecturers, and a more research-oriented program are important factors that have improved the quality of the program. Results show that participation in the courses offered during this exceptional period radically increased for some areas such as digital on-line technologies for education, while the egressed number of participants did not change significantly from previous editions. Specific recommendations are provided for Engineering Education programs, as the perception of the importance of some of these competences by the instructors are found to be significantly different among different STEAM fields of knowledge. Valuable lessons have been learned in this process, with some of the changes undertaken having a good prospect to stay in the near future.