Department of Professional and Personal Development (DPPD) in the Institute of Education and Communication (IEC) originated on 1st June 2005 by transformation of the former Department of Pedagogy in the university rectorate. It has a tradition in the area of pedagogical training of university teachers, and was a methodological and consultancy centre for university staff. This area, among others continues in the DPPD. In compliance with the Long-term Program CULS in Prague, after the transformation of the former Department of Pedagogy into the Institute of Education and Communication of the CULS in Prague, the Department of Professional and Personal Development became a constituent part with other newly created departments.
Focus:
Activities of the Department of Professional and Personal Development are directed mainly inside the university. The Department organizes various forms of education in the area of primary pedagogical training of young university staff, in the area of improving pedagogical competences of the university staff, and the development of presentation and pedagogical skills for PhD students of CULS. It participates in social-psychological consultancy for students and eventually employees and has expert consultancy activities in the area of pedagogy for teaching centres of CULS. It offers also short-term courses for academic and non-pedagogical staff of CULS, and participates in consultancy in the area of graduates job counselling. The Department participates in pedagogical process evaluation surveys in the university, according to the university and IEC management directions. DPPD is focused on creating a uniform framework of the University of the Third Age at CULS, and according to the direction of the CULS and IEC management, provides a system of central coordination for the University of the Third Age.
Educational activity:
Main pedagogical activities of the Department staff consist of education courses in accredited Bachelor programs guaranteed by IEC, in courses for young teaching staff and PhD students, in courses of improving pedagogical competences of the university academic staff, and in courses for university employees. It also participates in education courses in the programs of lifelong learning in the University of the Third Age.
Research activity:
DPPD centres its research activities mainly on the demands and needs of staff, students and PhD students of CULS in the area of further education. It collaborates with management of individual Faculties and the Institute of Tropics and Subtropics. It audits the evaluation tools used at CULS, by research survey, to assure improving quality of education. Department members participate in research activities which are managed in the framework of the IEC.
International contacts:
Abroad activities of the DPPD are coordinated with all other IEC departments. They are based on activities of the IEC, and the Department complements these mainly in the psychological disciplines.