VII International Staff Week at WSB University: Gamification and Problem-Solving for Global Impact

From May 19 to 23, 2025, WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza became a global hub of academic exchange and educational innovation during the seventh edition of its International Staff Week. Under the theme “Gamification and Problem-Solving for Global Impact,” the event brought together university professionals from across Europe, Africa, and North America — including participants from Rwanda and the United States — to explore the future of teaching and learning in a rapidly changing world.

The event was more than a conference — it was a showcase of WSB University’s growing international influence and its commitment to shaping higher education through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge methodology. Over five days, the university hosted a packed programme of expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and cultural experiences that reflected both the diversity of its partners and the strength of its academic vision.

The opening day set the tone with a series of sessions led by WSB University’s own experts. Paweł Urgacz, Dean for Internationalization, introduced innovative teaching strategies and emphasized the importance of aligning education with real-world challenges. Aleksandra Wolska, Head of the Electronic Examination Center, addressed the role of artificial intelligence in modern assessment, highlighting WSB’s leadership in digital transformation and Denis Spahija, Deputy Head of the International Relations Office at WSB University, led a forward-looking session on the future of Erasmus+ projects and opportunities. A standout moment of the week was the engaging workshop led by Małgorzata Małecka-Tomala, Design Thinking Moderator at WSB University, whose session on applying design thinking in education offered participants practical tools for fostering creativity and innovation in the classroom.

International guests contributed their expertise as well. Professor Iraj Hashi from Staffordshire University shared insights on capacity-building in higher education, while Dr. Sonia M. Gómez Puente from Eindhoven University of Technology led a session on Challenge-Based Learning as a tool for global impact. These discussions were not theoretical — they were grounded in practical applications and real-world outcomes.

One of the most engaging sessions focused on gamification in education, where participants explored how playful learning can drive student motivation and deepen understanding. The Game4Change initiative, presented by WSB University, demonstrated how serious games can be used to address complex social and environmental issues.

Beyond the academic programme, the event offered rich opportunities for cultural exchange. Participants toured the Silesian Museum and the historic Nikiszowiec district in Katowice, shared traditional food and drink during the International Coffee Break, and enjoyed a live jam session in the heart of the city. A final group trip to Kraków provided a fitting conclusion to a week that blended intellectual engagement with cultural immersion.

The success of the VII International Staff Week is a testament to WSB University’s strategic focus on internationalization, innovation, and impact. With participants from multiple continents and a programme that bridged theory and practice, the event reinforced the university’s position as a leader in global education. As WSB University continues to expand its international partnerships and invest in forward-thinking educational models, events like this serve as both a milestone and a springboard — proof that meaningful academic collaboration can drive real change, both in the classroom and beyond.