Central European - 1 years ago

Central European University (CEU) has awarded the thirteenth annual European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities to Pablo Rodríguez Herrero, Associate Professor at the Department of Pedagogy at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM).     Rodríguez Herrero was selected for the award because of his ground-breaking research validating a new university teaching model - ‘inclusive co-teaching - which can be applied in many higher educational settings, especially universities with a social science focus. The model challenges the concept that people with intellectual disabilities cannot teach. It is based on developing a co-teaching experience involving academic teachers and teaching assistants with intellectual disabilities, in a step towards social improvement and the inclusion of traditionally silenced or marginalized groups. It is a pioneering scientific literature of its kind concerning intellectual disabilities and university teaching.    “The inclusive co-teaching approach recognizes the importance of theoretical and academic training at the university and does not seek to relegate or exclude it. It aims to complement this training based on the contribution and collaboration of different social groups as individuals with intellectual disabilities, thus connecting the university with the community and recognizing the value of their knowledge for university education,” highlighted Professor Rodríguez.     Rodríguez Herrero has led national and international lines of scientific research in this field, and his model calls for a redefinition of the university teaching profiles, and for closer links and transfer between the university and the social community.     Conceptualized while teaching a postgraduate subject about inclusion, disability and education alongside two experts with intellectual disabilities, Professor Rodríguez identified the need for students to connect theory with practice and experience outside the university, as well as the importance of contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate university that integrates valuable knowledge from the community. His model therefore focuses on the value of experts-by-experience, who would not be required to have outstanding academic and research track records, nor specific pre-service or in-service training or professional experience in the field, but who rather will have lived in circumstances related to the contents of a subject and to have developed knowledge associated with these circumstances.    His pedagogical method can also be applied to people with other types of disabilities, indigenous cultures, minority ethnic groups, people with experiences of unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, people with experiences of deprivation of liberty, refugees, people with long experience of hospitalization, LGTBI+ and in different disciplines, degrees and university subjects, especially the social sciences and humanities.     The European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities, administered by CEU’s Yehud Elkana Center for Teaching, Learning and Higher Education Research, is accompanied by the €5,000 Diener Prize and was presented to Rodríguez Herrero at CEU’s academic year Opening Ceremony on September 3 by CEU President and Rector Shalini Randeria.    “The international jury selected Professor Rodríguez because of his renowned expertise in innovative lines of pedagogical research and teaching. His work demonstrates the ability to reach pupils and students through non-traditional means, incorporating their voices and demonstrating their ability to participate in the conceptualization and creation of knowledge. Collaborating with students and fellow teachers with intellectual disabilities as co-teachers in higher education broadens the meaning of inclusion in the academy,” said Michael Kozakowski, director of CEU’s Yehuda Elkana Center for Teaching, Learning, and Higher Education Research. “Professor Rodríguez Herrero’s model can make an important contribution to linking theory and practice, particularly in academic areas that include human relations in their subject matter.”    Learn more about the work of Professor Pablo Rodríguez Herrero here. For further information on the European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities and previous award recipients, click here.     Notes for Editors:   The European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities was launched by CEU for its 20th anniversary in 2011, to honor academics in the social sciences and humanities who teach at higher education institutions in the European Higher Education Area. As part of CEU’s commitment to excellence in teaching, the award is administered by the University’s Yehuda Elkana Center for Teaching, Learning, and Higher Education Research. The Diener Prize is made possible by a generous gift from Steven and Linda Diener in memory of Ilona Diener. For further information on the award and previous recipients, visit this page.   Central European University (CEU) is accredited in the United States and Austria and offers English-language bachelor s, master s and doctoral programs in the social sciences, the humanities, law, environmental sciences, management and public policy. Each year, CEU enrolls around 1,400 students from more than 100 countries and has faculty from more than 50 countries.     In 2019 CEU relocated from Hungary to Austria as legislation initiated by the Hungarian government undermined its ability to issue US-accredited degrees in the country. CEU now offers all of its degree programs in Vienna, Austria, and retains a research and civic engagement presence in Budapest, Hungary, through its Democracy Institute, the Vera and Donald Blinken Open Society Archivum, other research centers, public educational programs, lectures and events.    Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) is a public university with an outstanding international reputation for its high-quality teaching and research. Founded in 1968, it is recognized as one of the best Spanish universities in both national and international rankings. UAM has 8 Faculties/Schools -Science, Economics and Business Studies, Law, Arts and Humanities, Medicine, Psychology, Teachers Training and Education and a School of Engineering­-, and several affiliated centers, offering a wide range of studies in humanities and scientific and technical fields. Currently it has about 30,000 students, 2,800 professors and researchers and nearly 1,000 administrative staff.  Category: NewsPress ReleasesImage: Content Priority: Top

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