We bring together specialists from various disciplines, united in our commitment to developing the academic staff responsible for educating students. Our primary goal is to support lecturers in delivering modern, engaging, and effective instruction. Additionally, we provide consultancy on the periodic evaluation of individuals in teaching or research-teaching positions, as well as guidance for academic educators seeking to obtain teaching qualifications.
Our plans also include fostering educational innovation, conducting research, and promoting achievements in university teaching.
Furthermore, we aim to facilitate broad collaboration among professionals dedicated to these topics, both nationally and internationally. We welcome everyone, regardless of experience—whether you are taking your first steps in teaching, including doctoral candidates, or are a seasoned educator seeking fresh inspiration!
When the First Seminar of Academic Didactics was organized in 2002, it not only connected the academic teaching community but it also inspired the first cycles of workshops for academic staff and doctoral students. It was also then that the Academic Didactics series was launched by the Jagiellonian University Publishing House.
Already in 2005, cyclical workshops for academic staff and doctoral students were created under the name Ars Docendi, which were also supported by the academic supervision of the Ars Docendi Council.
The Scientific Council operated in the years 2014-2017 as part of a university-wide unit called the Center for the Improvement of Academic Didactics Ars Docendi UJ, then headed by Dr. Iwona Maciejowska, professor of the Jagiellonian University.
In the years 2017-2024, as a result of the reorganization of the central administration of the Jagiellonian University, the tasks performed by the CDDA, Ars Docendi were transferred to the Office for Competence Development (currently the Department of Development and Quality of Education) in the Center for Teaching Support. The continuity of activities, ideas and new concepts was ensured by the Ars Docendi Council and the team conducting the workshops.
The year 2024 brought a new beginning: By the Order of 5 April 2024 signed by the former Rector Professor Jacek Popiel, the Ars Docendi Center for Teaching Development was established. Currently, the ODD is supervised by the Pro-Rector for Student Affairs - Professor Paweł Laidler
The Center is headed by Dr. habil. Anna Sajdak-Burska, professor at the Jagiellonian University.
The activities of ODD Ars Docendi include bellow. We invite you to make history together with us!
ODD is made up of experts—experienced UJ teachers who support their colleagues in enhancing their teaching skills. They share their knowledge and best practices to foster professional growth within the academic community. This peer-to-peer approach creates a collaborative and supportive environment for continuous improvement. By drawing on their own teaching experiences, these experts provide practical advice tailored to real classroom challenges. Their involvement helps ensure that teaching quality at UJ continues to evolve and meet the needs of modern students. Below Kadra-Ars Dodendi-Uniwersytet Jagielloński
University-wide initiative supporting educational innovation (since 2015)
ODD also supports the administration of the Rector’s Fund, which allows academic teachers to apply for funding dedicated to teaching development. These funds can be used to purchase modern educational tools, implement innovative techniques, and introduce new teaching methods. The aim is to help educators create more engaging and effective learning environments for their students. By simplifying the application process, ODD makes it easier for teachers to focus on creative ideas rather than bureaucracy. Ultimately, this initiative encourages continuous improvement and innovation in academic teaching.biannual meeting of Polish academic developers and lecturers (since 2014)
ODD also organizes the “Ars Docendi” conference, where academic teachers can present papers on modern educational tools, techniques, and methods. Participants also have the opportunity to join practical workshops designed to enhance their teaching skills. The event combines the exchange of research and ideas with hands-on learning, helping educators grow both academically and professionally. It creates a space for networking and collaboration across disciplines. By sharing best practices and exploring new approaches together, teachers can enrich their own work and inspire others.forum for sharing good practices in university teaching at the Jagiellonian University (since 2019)
ODD also organizes the “Teaching Slam” competition, where participants present engaging talks on modern educational tools, techniques, and methods. They share their own teaching experiences and creative ideas with the audience. A panel of experts, together with the public, selects the most inspiring and innovative educators. The event not only highlights best practices but also encourages teachers to experiment and think outside the box. It creates a dynamic space for exchanging ideas and building a community passionate about improving higher education.webinar series dedicated to academic education (since 2021)
ODD also hosts webinars (Didactic Digressions) in Polish and same in English, where experts from Poland and abroad share their academic experience with teachers. During these sessions, they offer practical advice on teaching and present a variety of innovative educational tools. The webinars provide an opportunity to learn about international best practices and discover fresh ideas for making classes more effective and engaging.Some webinars in English are available below.
- dr Aeddan Shaw, By Your Command AI in Higher Education - webinar
- dr Natasa Brouwer, Challenges of professional development in teaching and learning in education - webinar
- dr Richard Nelson, Academic Identity in the Age of AI - webinar
- dr Marcin Kleban, Navigating the academic classroom waters - webinar
- prof. Barbara Oakley, Teaching Online with Personality, Flair, and Impact- webinar
- dr Aeddan Shaw, Ready, Player One - webinar
- prof. Mauro Mocerino, Why are we teaching the way we taught last century- webinar