The University of Crete is proud to host the International Conference on Inclusive Student-Centered Pedagogies, taking place from May 23-25, 2025, in Heraklion, organized by COALITION Erasmus project. This event will bring together educators, researchers, and academic leaders from around the globe to explore innovative practices in higher education that foster inclusivity, equity, active student engagement, and assessment for learning and success.

The Conference is held under the auspices of the UoC Centre of Teaching and Learning (CTL) TOTT, Prof. Maria Vamvakaki, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Eleni Katsarou, Coordinator of the COALITION Erasmus+ Project, and Dr. Kallia Katsampoxaki-Hodgetts, former CTL TOTT Coordinator and now a member of the Academic Committee of CTL TOTT. The conference offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to international dialogue on educational and pedagogical innovation, highlighting the work taking place at the University of Crete.

International Expertise, Local Leadership

This year’s conference features an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers who are at the forefront of inclusive pedagogical innovation:

David Smith will tackle “The Power and Peril of AI in Education,” examining how AI tools can either enhance or hinder inclusive teaching practices. Smith’s session promises to ignite critical discussions about integrating technology responsibly in education.

Alison Cook-Sather will present “Co-creating Courses with Students: Enacting and Fostering Inclusive Student-Centered Pedagogies.” Drawing on frameworks from Bovill (2020) and her work with Jiayi Loh (2023), Cook-Sather will illustrate how co-creation disrupts traditional teacher-student hierarchies by granting agency to both sides while acknowledging their distinct roles. She will share examples of co-creation across different stages of a course, substantiating these practices with evidence of positive student outcomes and reflections on how they foster inclusivity.

Klara Bolander Laksov will address “Leading Academic Development Towards Inclusive Pedagogies – Can We Be Truly Inclusive?” Her session will delve into the types of leadership needed to drive institutional change, balancing democracy, equity, and academic excellence. Laksov’s insights aim to inspire educators to navigate the complex tensions between ethical aspirations and systemic constraints.

Kathleen M. Quinlan will explore “Promoting Students’ Interests: A Key to Student-Centric, Inclusive Education.” Quinlan emphasizes the importance of supporting students’ evolving interests during higher education. Her talk will highlight practical strategies to cultivate these interests through curricular and extracurricular pathways, ensuring students’ academic and personal growth.

Prof. Eleni Vasilaki from the Department of Primary Education at the University of Crete, will present her work on “Happiness through Mindfulness: Transforming University Education,” exploring the role of emotional well-being in shaping inclusive pedagogical models.

From “Open Classrooms” to Institutional Change

The conference will also present the outcomes of the COALITION Programme, developed through collaborative professional development initiatives involving teaching staff at the University of Crete. Through practices such as peer observation – introduced by Dr. Katsampoxaki-Hodgetts and Vice-Rector Mr. Karakasis – and action research methodology developed by Professor Katsarou, the program contributed to the institutional adoption of pedagogical practices promoting reflection, universal design, and educational equity.

These practices will be showcased in symposia and interactive sessions, highlighting how universities across Europe are embedding student inclusion in curriculum design and assessment.

Redesigning Assessment for Equity and Learning

A special focus of the conference is placed on sessions dedicated to assessment in inclusive and student-centered frameworks. On May 25, distinguished researchers will present innovative assessment models grounded in educational psychology and reflective practice.

The CTL TOTT Coordinator, Mr. Marinos Anastasakis, will present his work on Dynamic Assessment, using Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development concept to design learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs.

In the same session, Dr. Kallia Katsampoxaki-Hodgetts will present her Three-Stage Collaborative Assessment model, an approach combining individual reflective work, team collaboration, and instructor feedback. These two presentations will highlight the University of Crete’s pioneering role in viewing assessment not as a tool for measuring or ranking performance but as a lever for growth, empowerment, and equitable participation.

A Conference Reflecting Our Vision

The conference features:

• Over 90 speakers and facilitators
• Participants from 16 countries
• Topics including: AI and inclusion, multilingual education, student-staff collaboration, well-being, universal design, and professional development through reflection

The event is supported by local institutions, including the Region of Crete, and fully aligns with the University of Crete’s vision for the internationalization, humanization, and democratization of university education.

As we prepare to welcome international academics to our campus in Heraklion, we reaffirm our fundamental purpose: to create a learning environment where inclusion, equity, collaboration, and academic excellence coexist harmoniously.

For the full program and speaker bios, visit: tott.uoc.gr
Registration is still open and free of charge.