COALITION partners from across Europe conclude Erasmus+ project and share innovations on inclusive higher education in Crete

11.09.2025

print:

FHSS

On 21–22 May 2025, the final international partner meeting of the Erasmus+ KA220 project “Coaching Academics as Learners for Inclusive Teaching in Optimal Networks” (COALITION) took place in Heraklion on the eiland of Crete, Greece. Representatives from Leiden University (The Netherlands), the University of Crete (Greece), University of Cantabria (Spain), Stockholm University (Sweden), the University of Bucharest (Romania), and Daugavpils University (Latvia) attended the event

The partners reviewed their joint achievements, discussed the final report, developed a plan for future activities, and presented key project results. This closing stage highlighted the outcomes of the three-year project, including practical tools, teaching resources, an e-book, and a massive open online course (MOOC) designed to support higher education lecturers in developing inclusive, student-centred learning environments.

The project’s final meeting was followed by an international conference held from 23 to 25 May at the University of Crete organized by the Crete Centre for Teaching and Learning. The event brought together over 90 experts from 16 countries to share knowledge and practice on inclusive and student-centred pedagogy. Presentations and workshops explored themes such as artificial intelligence in teaching, co-creation with students, multilingual education, well-being, universal design principles, and formative assessment.

Keynote speakers included:

• David Smith, on the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in education;

• Alison Cook-Sather, on course co-creation with students;

• Klara Bolander Laksov, on leadership towards inclusive pedagogy;

• Kathleen M. Quinlan, on fostering student interests in learning;

• Professor Eleni Vasilaki, on integrating mindfulness in higher education.

As one of its main outcomes, the project has launched a free, open-access MOOC on inclusive, student-centred pedagogy for higher education and college lecturers seeking to create transformative and inclusive learning environments. Developed collaboratively by European experts in academic staff development, the course offers modules on:

designing inclusive courses and lesson planning;
formative assessment to support learning;
tools for preparing multimodal and accessible materials;
practical approaches to peer observation and action research.

Join and share! The MOOC provides an opportunity to strengthen pedagogical skills, foster an inclusive learning environment, and connect with colleagues worldwide. Registration is free via the project website or QR code. Lecturers and educators interested in inclusive education are warmly encouraged to take part and share the course with others.