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Italian Language Teaching Research Group

Teaching and Research Group Italian Language Teaching
Chair: Prof. Dr. Aida Gjinali
Email: [email protected]

The Teaching and Research Group “Italian Language Didactics”, established within the Department of Italian Language, Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana, operates as a specialized academic structure dedicated to the development of teaching and scientific research in the field of Italian as a foreign language.

This group represents a platform for academic and scientific collaboration, aiming to promote pedagogical innovation, improve the quality of teaching, and integrate advanced practices into higher education.

COMPOSITION OF THE GROUP

The group consists of academic staff with consolidated experience in teaching and scientific research:

  • Dr. Aida Gjinali – Chair
  • Assoc. Dr. Sonila Piri – Member
  • Assoc. Dr. Alnida Koroshi – Member
  • Enkela Dalipi – Member
  • Egla Gerveni – Member

Mission and Strategic Objectives

The mission of the group is to develop a contemporary approach to Italian language didactics by integrating scientific research with teaching practice, contributing to the quality education of students and to the advancement of academic standards.

Main Strategic Objectives:

  • Enhancing the quality of teaching in accordance with European standards;
  • Updating and modernizing curricula and syllabi;
  • Adapting study programs to the requirements of the labour market;
  • Developing students’ communicative and professional competences;
  • Promoting scientific research in the field of foreign language didactics;
  • Integrating new technologies and artificial intelligence into teaching;
  • Strengthening and developing students’ skills and competences to provide high-quality, relevant and professional education, preparing them not only for a successful future in the labour market but also for becoming citizens of the future European society.

Main Areas of Activity

  1. Teaching and Pedagogical Innovation

The group is engaged in:

  • improving the quality of course content and teaching methodologies;
  • using contemporary teaching materials and digital technologies;
  • putting didactic theories into practice;
  • respecting academic ethics and clearly defined roles in the teaching process;
  • developing strategies to address teaching-related challenges;
  • actively involving students in the teaching, learning and research processes.
  1. Scientific Research

In this area, the group aims to:

  • participate in national and international research projects;
  • conduct studies in the field of foreign language didactics;
  • publish scientific articles in specialized journals;
  • participate in conferences and scientific activities both nationally and internationally.
  1. Continuing Academic Development

Particular emphasis is placed on:

  • professional training and webinars;
  • workshops focusing on teaching methodology and technology;
  • exchanging experiences with national and international experts;
  • continuously updating the competences of academic staff.

Main Activities for the Academic Year 2025–2026

Within the framework of its annual plan, the group carries out a wide range of academic and research activities, including:

  • Organization and participation in international conferences of the Department of Italian Language, focusing on reflection on the development of Italian Studies and their future perspectives;
  • Participation in international conferences closely related to topics concerning foreign language teaching;
  • Organization of workshops focusing on topics related to foreign language teaching;
  • Participation in thematic webinars, focusing on the use of artificial intelligence, innovative methodologies and the development of language competences;
  • Organization of open lectures with international lecturers, contributing to broadening students’ academic perspectives;
  • Round tables, focusing on competency-based curricula and the challenges of their implementation in practice;
  • Updating of syllabi, in accordance with the latest developments in didactics;
  • Development of double-degree programmes, aimed at achieving an important objective, namely the internationalization of the programmes offered by the department;
  • Scientific publications, resulting from ongoing academic research and analysis.

Engagement in Research Projects

The group is actively involved in the development of research projects aimed at improving teaching, including:

  • The ongoing project on the implementation of the competency-based curriculum for the development of communicative competence in the Albanian pre-university education system (AKKSHI);

Institutional Impact and Contribution

Through its activities, the Teaching and Research Group “Italian Language Didactics” contributes to:

  • enhancing the quality of higher education at the Faculty of Foreign Languages;
  • promoting the professional development of academic staff;
  • educating students with advanced linguistic and intercultural competences;
  • strengthening the role of the university as a research and innovation centre at both national and international level.

ACTIVITIES