The II COPEC-Universitats Conference took place at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), bringing together professionals and students for a dialogue on pedagogy as a key tool for social transformation. Under the motto “Pedagogy that challenges and transforms: educating to transform and not to conform”, the event focused on the need to rethink pedagogy not only as an academic discipline, but as a driving force capable of inspiring significant changes in different contexts.
The president of the Official College of Pedagogy of Catalonia, Victòria Gómez, opened the conference by emphasizing the importance of giving visibility and empowering both pedagogy and its professionals. “We want to shake up, make visible, and empower pedagogy and its professionals,” she stated in her opening address.
Additionally, the event promoted collaboration among various Catalan universities that offer a Degree in Pedagogy. Eloi Català, coordinator of the COPEC Youth Group, emphasized the inclusion of students in these initiatives, seeking to give them a voice and recognition in shaping the profession beyond the classroom.
One of the most notable interventions came from Eva Bach, a pedagogue and writer, who discussed how pedagogy can create more humane spaces through three pillars: meaning, pedagogical optimism, and emotional care. Bach called for the training of professionals who can support individuals and teams in their emotional growth journeys.
Although pedagogy is commonly associated with the school environment, participants were reminded that its application extends beyond this context. The need for pedagogues to be present from the early educational stages, such as in Primary school, to ensure inclusive and equitable education was emphasized.
The discussion also touched on social worldviews, a crucial process explored by educational psychologist Daniel Gabarró, who explained how these views influence our notions of justice. Gabarró emphasized that transforming these worldviews is essential to progress towards more empathetic and collaborative societies.
The II COPEC-Universitats Conference, which will be held every two years, has become a key event for the pedagogical sector, providing a space for the exchange of experiences and the strengthening of professional identity. Throughout the conference, the vitality of pedagogy as a multidimensional discipline, essential for addressing the educational, social, and emotional challenges of today, was evident. In conclusion, all attendees agreed: “pedagogy transforms. And when it does, it transforms for everyone.”
Source: MiMub in Spanish