Management of wastewater trough theatre

Abstract

[EN] Compulsory study course on wastewater treatment and sewage systems contains lectures, classroom calculations, technical project and laboratory practicum. The course is addressing not only the developing skills in wastewater treatment technologies but also provides preparation of professionals that can communicate with institutions involved in water and wastewater sector. Over the years it has been observed that even after receiving the most sophisticated knowledge and highest markings, students often lack skills in practical communication with industry and implementation of theoretical knowledge in praxis. Here we describe student-centred teaching method that is based on the activities that are similar to theatre and allow: (i) the teacher to find and understand the weaker places in student knowledge gained during the semester; (ii) the students to form professional skills during the active communication with colleagues and mentors from industry. The students work in several groups “INDUSTRY”, “MUNICIPALITY” and EXPERTS”, try to find better solution for industrial sewage treatment and cooperation model with the municipality and present their results. After 2 years of the modernisation and adjustment, the training course has created an interest not only from student side but also from the industry representatives that are interested in communication with the new specialists and develop strong contacts with the university.