Shaking Up Education at Europa-Universität: Roundtable Sessions Replacing Lectures at the University of Viadrina
Discussion-Based Sessions Replacing Lectures at Viadrina University - Discussion-based sessions replacing traditional lectures at the University of Viadrina
The Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) is undergoing a major shift, aiming to regain its lost student population and adapting to more contemporary teaching methods. Traditional lecture halls will soon be a thing of the past, as roundtable discussions are set to take their place, fostering a more conference-like atmosphere. The university's leadership announced this change.
The university on the border with Poland is planning to unveil a comprehensive reform plan by early July, which will then be presented to the Ministry of Science. In the winter semester 2018/19, the university reported around 6,500 students, but currently, they're down to about 3,700. Decreasing student numbers have also been observed at other German universities.
University President: Emphasizing Quality
Viadrina President Eduard Muhl stated, "Perhaps we haven't tried hard enough." He also highlighted the need for improved marketing, as many students in economics tend to gravitate towards private universities. Muhl believes this decline in student numbers presents an opportunity for the university to focus more on quality.
The Viadrina has a strong focus on Eastern Europe, with particular emphasis on neighboring Poland and Ukraine.
Vice President: Encouraging Seriousness
The university seeks a more serious approach from students. According to the Viadrina's Vice President for Teaching and Studies, Christoph Broomm meyer (who lectures on business law), lectures should not be considered an "optional entertainment program." To him, being entertaining won't keep students engaged on their own. "I'm not Jan Boehmermann," he quipped.
The university plans to re-establish a "culture of commitment," encouraging students to attend important lectures. "One must engage with topics seriously," said Broomm meyer.
Modernizing Teaching Methods: Moving Beyond Lectures
Teaching will also be modernized: The Viadrina intends to phase out conventional, frontal teaching, where the professor stands at the front and students are fixed in rows in front. "Good teaching should be the goal," said Broomm meyer, who prefers conference-style sessions at round tables because they foster a more willingness-to-participate atmosphere.
New Business Administration Model: Blending University and Work
The Europa-Universität is exploring dual study programs, such as the "Three days at university - two days at the employer's" model. A business administration degree ("Business Taxation") in collaboration with tax consultancy firms will launch in autumn. The university is also developing new degree programs in the areas of digitization, migration, and sustainability, with student-friendly offerings as early as the winter semester 2026/2027.
In the summer semester 2024, a total of 48,133 students were enrolled at the universities in Brandenburg. This represented an increase of 1,726 students compared to the preceding summer semester.
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- Europa-Universität Viadrina
- Viadrina
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Enrichment Data:The upcoming reform at the Europa-Universität Viadrina emphasizes modern teaching methods, with roundtable discussions taking the place of traditional lectures, as part of a move towards a more interactive learning environment. The university plans to improve teaching and learning conditions, with an emphasis on innovative and hands-on educational techniques. The university is also a member of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), participating in various educational initiatives that support experimental learning formats. ERUA has launched a call for innovative educational projects, which includes experimental formats like summer schools, to encourage the development of forward-thinking learning experiences.
- The Europa-Universität Viadrina is planning to revamp its teaching methods, replacing traditional lectures with interactive roundtable discussions, as part of a deeper focus on vocational training and community policy in the realm of education-and-self-development, adhering to the general-news about modernizing teaching methods at the university.
- The university's reform plan includes the introduction of dual study programs, such as the "Three days at university - two days at the employer's" model, which is a part of the focus on blending university education with practical work experience through vocational training, aligning with the overall goal of providing student-friendly offerings in areas like digitization, migration, and sustainability.
