Report on the organisation of the BIP academic mobility programme for students of education and psychology: ‘Diversity as a resource: innovations that are transforming education and educators’
An academic mobility programme of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) type for students of pedagogy and psychology was organised from 26 February 2026 to 6 March 2026 at WSEI University, located at 4 Projektowa Street in Lublin. The event was organised by the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education at WSEI University, in collaboration with the Centre for Projects and International Cooperation.
The aim of the event was to organise a short-term international student mobility programme, enabling the exchange of educational experiences, learning about different pedagogical approaches, and the integration of students from partner universities. The event was attended by students from foreign universities: the University of Banská Bystrica (Slovakia), the University of Rijeka (Croatia), the University of Iași (Romania), the University of Burgos (Spain) and Istanbul University (Turkey). A total of 19 international students and 1 lecturer took part in the event.
The following academic and teaching staff from the WSEI University were involved in organising the event:
Eighteen students studying pedagogy and early years education were also involved in the preparation and delivery of the event, supporting organisational and social activities.
Event programme
Virtual session – 26 February 2026
The first stage of the mobility programme was an online meeting entitled ‘Roots and Wings – the teacher’s identity from the perspective of alternative pedagogy’, which took place on the ClickMeeting platform. The meeting was moderated by representatives of the Project Centre, whilst the substantive part was led by Katarzyna Opoka and Karolina Rutkowska. During the meeting, the topic of teacher identity and the significance of alternative pedagogy in building modern education was discussed.
02.03.2026 – ROOTS: The Foundations of Belonging
The first day of the on-site part began with the official opening of the event and a welcome address to participants by university representatives. This was followed by a presentation of the partner universities and team-building activities for the students.
Later in the day, the “Map of Roots” workshop took place, during which participants shared their educational experiences and expectations regarding their future teaching careers. The workshop was led by Karolina Rutkowska and Katarzyna Opoka.
After the coffee break, there was a lecture entitled ‘A Child’s Roots – The Importance of Relationships, Security and Trust’, delivered by Dr Monika Baryła-Matejczuk, a professor at the WSEI University. The day concluded with a group photo of the event’s participants.
03 March 2026 – ART & THINKING: Creative Exploration
The next day of the mobility programme was devoted to the role of art and visual thinking in children’s education. The programme began with an introduction to the day’s theme and a poster presentation on creativity in the learning process.
This was followed by a lecture combined with a workshop entitled ‘Images of Emotions – Art as a Child’s Language’, led by Prof. Urszula Szuścik from the University of Silesia.
After the coffee break, a workshop entitled “Mind maps in the work of the child and the educator” was held, prepared by representatives of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw – Dr Ewelina Rzońca and Katarzyna Błażejewska, MA. The day concluded with the second part of the poster session entitled “Art and Thinking as Wings of the Child”.
4 March 2026 – LEARNING FROM PRACTICE: Study Visits (Part 1)
The third day of the mobility programme involved study visits to educational institutions in Lublin, with the aim of observing work with children in an environment inspired by alternative pedagogy.
The participants were divided into groups and visited the following institutions:
After the study visits had concluded, the participants took part in a city tour and a social dinner, during which they had the opportunity to learn about Polish culture and traditional dishes.
5 March 2026 – LEARNING FROM PRACTICE: Study Visits (Part 2)
The fourth day of the mobility programme saw the continuation of study visits to educational institutions. Participants observed educational processes, analysed teachers’ working methods and exchanged experiences in the field of alternative pedagogy.
Following the visits, a computer workshop entitled ‘Educational Space – Exchange of Experiences, Design’ was held, led by Dr Ilona Kożuch. The workshop enabled participants to develop their own concepts of an educational space conducive to child development.
06 March 2026 – WINGS: The Educator as a Guide and Creator
The final day of the mobility was devoted to reflecting on the role of the educator as a guide and creator of the educational environment. Participants worked on a joint document, the “Roots and Wings Manifesto”, which addressed the teacher’s responsibility in supporting child development.
After the coffee break, a lecture was given by a guest speaker from Turkey, followed by a presentation on the achievements of the WSEI University in the implementation of international projects.
Summary
The BIP academic mobility programme, ‘Diversity as a Resource: Innovations that Transform Education and Educators’, enabled students from the Research Societies of Pedagogy and Early Years Education to gain new educational experiences, explore various pedagogical concepts and establish international academic contacts. The event created a space for the exchange of knowledge, reflection on the role of the educator, and the observation of practical solutions used in education.
The implementation of the mobility programme contributed to the development of the participants’ pedagogical competences and strengthened international cooperation between partner universities.