Specialization
The Department of Professional and Personal Development (hereinafter DPPD) in the long term specializes in tertiary education, university pedagogy and didactics. DPPD is concerned with the preparation and implementation of courses aimed at improving the pedagogical and didactic competences of students in postgraduate study programmes. Academics at the early stage of their professional career, as well as experienced university teachers who are interested in further development of innovative and effective strategies and learning methods and methods of teaching at the university are the focus. DPPD is responsible for further educational and counselling activities within CZU; for instance it participates in various forms of counselling for incomers, students and academic staff (study counselling, career guidance). It is also involved in evaluating educational process and an increase in the quality of the university environment in general. It also participates in the coordination of CZU University of the Third Age.
DPPD was established on 1st June 2005 as a pedagogical, scientific-research and counselling department within the newly founded Institute of Education and Communication by transformation of the former CZU Department of Pedagogy, which traditionally (since 1964), has been dedicated to preparing teachers of vocational subjects in secondary vocational schools and apprentice training schools for agriculture, forestry and related fields of study. DPPD teachers are involved in teaching in accredited study programmes of The Institute of Education and Communication.
Research activities
DPPD directs its scientific research activities mainly on tertiary education, on university pedagogy and didactics, and generally on the theory and practice of learning and education of adults, both within initial and continuing professional training. Included in research projects are, for instance, comparison of educational systems, transfer of innovation and development in higher education, effective learning and teaching strategies, innovative and alternative teaching methods and techniques, and the implementation of stimulation tools and monitoring of personal development. The portfolio of research topics complements personal and professional fields, including research into career paths, the social environment in relation to learning, and research in emotions.
