Dr Bernardo Pereira Nunes
College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics
School of Computing
Bernardo is a dynamic educator bridging the gap between computer science and education. His teaching philosophy is centred on active methodologies, focusing on innovation, quality and social impact. By combining these methodologies with games, his teaching increases retention and enhances student experience and their capacity to tackle real-world problems by developing the skills required by the fast-moving IT industry.
Demystifying the computer sciences through game-based learning
Bernardo is passionate about teaching Computer Science (CS) in an engaging, immersive and authentic way, by integrating project-based, student-centred approaches with game-based learning and active methodologies. Because concepts in CS are abstract, he uses innovative methodologies and intuitive analogies to make them easier to understand.
One of Bernardo’s most innovative teaching strategies is the ‘Escape Room’ experience, which goes beyond traditional assignments and offers students a window into real-world scenarios. It encourages problem-solving, cultivates creative and critical thinking, and improves learner engagement. The skills students develop during this experience align their learning with the demands and expectations of professional careers.
To enrich the learning experience, Bernardo also developed Stubents, a video platform to promote the creation of learning resources by and for students. It takes advantage of the learning-by-teaching methodology to engage students in actively authoring, researching and experiencing transfer, enhancing deeper understanding and fostering autonomous learning. With thousands of videos, this platform introduces students to diverse perspectives, promotes multicultural representation, and ensures content is delivered in a meaningful and effective way that students value and feel part of.
In essence, Bernardo’s goal as an educator is to demystify CS using multiple teaching methodologies and, more importantly, to listen to his students and consider their needs and differences. By embedding them in holistic experiences, he aims to cultivate a generation of learners who are not just knowledgeable, but who are also dynamic, reflective, collaborative and ready to contribute proactively to their academic pursuits and societal needs. Bernardo’s teaching philosophy is underpinned by a commitment to transform abstract theories into tangible competencies, ensuring every student is primed for success in the ever-evolving world of CS.
Bernardo’s ability to teach advanced concepts is enhanced by his acute understanding of learning processes and human cognition.
Student comment
I thoroughly enjoyed the innovative Bernardo has incorporated into the course, such as the Escape Room. This challenge encouraged us to think critically and solve complex problems to grasp the study materials better. More importantly, it was fun!
Student comment