From 18–22 November 2024, the Faculty of Physical Culture (FPC) at Palacký University Olomouc proudly hosted the 24th International Teaching Week (ITW), welcoming 10 esteemed guest lecturers from around the globe (plus one participant who joined the event online). The week was a resounding success, offering 24 insightful lectures and practical sessions for both Czech and international students.
A Global Perspective on Physical Culture
This year’s ITW featured specialists from Norway, Poland, France, Israel, Albania, Iran, and Germany, bringing their expertise to a diverse array of topics. Two guests delivered engaging lectures from the field of adapted physical activities. While Christiane Reuter from Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, who was unable to attend in person due to an illness, conducted a highly anticipated online session on sports and exercise for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, Niels B. Feddersen from Norwegian School of Sport Science fascinated our students with topics like adapted physical activity in psychiatry and prisons or adapted physical activity in Norwegian rehabilitation. His colleague, Luca Oppici, focused on motor control informing practice, and physical and social environment as key allies for our practice.
The event also catered to physiotherapy students, with Klejda Tani and Aisel Oseku from the Sports University of Tirana sharing their expertise on Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Stecco Fascial Manipulation, ultrasound applications for muscle injuries, and common sports-related injuries. Their colleague, Surven Metolli, delivered compelling lectures on anti-doping measures and prohibited substances in sport.
Meanwhile, Emily Hancock from Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse offered a unique, interactive session titled English through Sports, combining physical activity with language learning. Hanna Nalecz from Josef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw explored psychomotor development and effective health education strategies, while Mahmood Sindiani from The Academic College Levinsky-Wintage in Israel engaged students with practical sessions in track and field and physical fitness training.
From Iran’s Kharazmi University, Mehdi Khaleghi Tazji shared his expertise in biomechanics, discussing the use of isokinetic data in performance improvement and prevention of injury. Arash Mirifar, currently based at the University of Florida, captivated the audience with his lectures on neurofeedback training for optimising athletic performance and on human oscillatory brain activity in the visuomotor cortex.
Networking, Collaboration, and a Look Ahead
The ITW also served as a valuable networking platform for visiting lecturers, FPC staff, and students. Guests explored the faculty’s facilities including the modern BALUO building and its labs, fostered collaborations and connected with Czech students, including past and future Erasmus exchange participants.
We are happy we had the opportunity to host such a vibrant group of guest lecturers, who greatly contributed to exciting exchange of knowledge and ideas. Building on the success of the 24th ITW, the faculty is thrilled to announce the 25th edition of the ITW, this time rebranded as International Dancing Week, which will take place from 7–11 April 2025. Make sure to save the date for this unique and exciting event!
