Educational Philosophy and Teaching Methods

One of the distinguishing features of the Polish–Italian Intensive School on Energy Transition is its innovative educational philosophy, developed by Professor Katarzyna Gromek-Broc of the University of Pavia.

Professor Gromek-Broc is an internationally recognised scholar with extensive experience in higher education and executive teaching gained at leading universities and academic institutions across the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Italy. Drawing upon many years of work with international students, researchers and professionals, she has designed a learning model that combines academic excellence with practical engagement and real-world problem solving.

The educational philosophy of the School is based on the principle of learning by doing. Rather than acting solely as recipients of knowledge, participants become active contributors to the learning process. Students are encouraged to analyse complex policy challenges, engage in critical discussion, develop practical solutions and collaborate with peers from different academic and cultural backgrounds.

This approach reflects the realities of contemporary policymaking and decision-making processes, where success depends not only on subject knowledge but also on the ability to negotiate, communicate, cooperate and think strategically in complex and rapidly changing environments.

The School therefore places particular emphasis on experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and direct interaction with academics, policymakers, industry representatives and international experts. Through this model, participants develop analytical, communication, leadership and negotiation skills that are increasingly valued across the energy, public policy and sustainability sectors.

Teaching Methods

The programme combines a range of innovative and interactive teaching methods designed to maximise student engagement and encourage active participation.

These include:

• expert lectures delivered by leading academics, policymakers and practitioners specialising in energy transition, energy justice, climate policy and sustainable development;
• thematic seminars addressing contemporary challenges related to energy transition, energy security and climate governance;
• simulation exercises based on European Union and international decision-making processes, including negotiations concerning energy efficiency and renewable energy policies;
• moderated debates and roundtable discussions focused on current policy and regulatory developments;
• project-based workshops enabling participants to work collaboratively on real-world energy transition challenges;
• student-led presentations and policy proposals developed throughout the programme;
• networking sessions providing opportunities for direct interaction with experts, academics and fellow participants;
• mentoring and informal discussions supporting professional and academic development.

A central element of the programme consists of negotiation simulations and stakeholder exercises in which participants assume the roles of governments, regulators, energy companies, non-governmental organisations and international institutions. These activities allow students to experience first-hand the complexity of energy and climate policymaking while developing practical competencies that cannot be acquired through traditional classroom teaching alone.

The combination of academic rigour, practical application and international collaboration creates a unique educational experience that prepares participants to become future leaders of the energy transition in Europe and beyond.