Golden Owl: "To teach is to learn twice"
This year, D-BAUG students awarded Matteo Riva the "Golden Owl" in recognition of his dedication to teaching. Riva is a doctoral candidate at the Institute for Spatial Planning and Landscape Development, where he evaluates landscape changes and the condition of ecosystems. For him, teaching is not just about the transfer of knowledge, but an inspiring exchange in which students and teachers can grow together.
Congratulations on winning the "Golden Owl"! What is your recipe for success as a lecturer?
Thank you very much! I don’t think there is a single formula for success, as every teaching situation is unique, and each lecturer needs to find the approach that works best with their students. Personally, I try to make my lectures as interactive and engaging as possible, and I have found that students really appreciate this approach.
Successful teaching also requires a significant investment of time and effort. At ETH Zurich, teaching is often just one of many roles that lecturers and assistants have, which makes it all the more important to recognize the value of this work and the need for dedicated time and support. Quality teaching begins with a commitment to this process.
You have been teaching at D-BAUG for three years now. What motivates you?
Teaching has always been a special interest of mine. Before coming to ETH Zurich, I obtained a teaching diploma for upper secondary education, and for the past few years, I have been coordinating part of the youth education programs for Jugend+Sport in Ticino in my free time. Becoming a lecturer at ETH has deepened this passion.
While my basic interest in teaching is what drives me, it's the interaction with students that really inspires me. There is a saying, "To teach is to learn twice", which perfectly sums up my philosophy. When teaching is structured as a one-way process, it limits the growth opportunities for both students and teachers. By fostering a dynamic, interactive learning environment, both sides can engage meaningfully, enriching the experience for everyone. Equally important is keeping an open mind, remaining flexible and willing to question your own methods. This ongoing, honest exchange not only enhances the learning experience, but also helps me to grow as an educator. This is what keeps me motivated. I don’t see teaching as just a transfer of knowledge; I see it as an opportunity to learn from my students and evolve alongside them.
What advice would you give to aspiring civil engineers or spatial planners?
Important skills in these fields are effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively towards shared solutions. The most successful projects are rarely the result of one person’s vision, but rather a collective effort to understand, accept and integrate different perspectives. So, my advice is to embrace collaboration. Learn to listen actively, respect differing viewpoints and always try to build bridges.
