Active learning applied to engineering, science and technology courses was the focus of the International Conference on Active Learning in Engineering Education (PAEE/ALE 2024), held in San Andrés, Colombia, from 24 to 26 July. The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP/UCP) and the Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH) were represented at the event by Diana Mesquita, a member of the PAEE/ALE organising committee since 2009. In 2025, the Universidade Católica in Porto will host this important meeting.

Every year, the PAEE/ALE conference brings together experts and researchers in engineering education from all over the world to discuss topics related to active learning, project-based learning, assessment, sustainability, and ethics in higher education, among others.

 

A global learning community

Diana Mesquita, a member of the event's organising committee since 2009, highlights the unique nature of the event: "The atmosphere at PAEE/ALE is that of a true learning community, bringing together people from all over the world. It's a time to share experiences, learn from each other and build international partnerships. I often say that I've grown up in this community, which has made me a better researcher, a better teacher and a better person.”

She recounts a particularly interesting moment in this edition: "This year we had a talk by Professor Erik de Graaff and for me it was one of the most inspiring moments. He is one of the leading authors on problem and project-based learning and has worked at Maastricht University and Aalborg University. He has more than 45 years of experience in this field, so his talk focused on his memories and invited us to look at the essence of active learning, which is the pedagogical relationship".

At the conference, Diana Mesquita organised a workshop on project-based learning with Rui Lima from the University of Minho, and also presented two papers.

 

Universidade Católica in Porto eill host PAEE/ALE 2025

One of the novelties announced at the conference was that the next edition of PAEE/ALE will be held at the Universidade Católica in Porto, from 25 to 27 June 2025. With the theme "Innovative Pathways: Bridging Professional Development and Active Learning", the event will focus on the professional development of higher education faculty in the context of pedagogical innovation and active learning.

"Bringing PAEE/ALE to the UCP is a source of great pride," says Mesquita. "We have tried to focus on a theme that is in line with the institutional agenda and with the projects we have underway, namely INOV.Norte of the Católica Learning Innovation Lab (CLIL). This event will be an opportunity for the academic community to participate in discussions on active learning and for the UCP to strengthen its position as a reference in the field of pedagogical innovation".