LLInC at the EHON – SOP days 2024

The study group SOP, created by EHON (Expertisenetwerk Hoger Onderwijs), focusses on the didactical training of educators in the higher education field. They gather twice a year to discuss developments and research on teacher professionalisation. I participated in various workshops on a range of topics, such as the practice of Learning Design Studios, the use of Self Determination Theory, and the importance of collaborative activities and self-directed communities during the UTQ and STQ trajectories.  

Keynote Lectures

In addition to the workshops, various keynote lectures were given. One of these keynote lectures was titled ‘How to advance faculty development research and practice’, focusing on Maastricht University’s Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach. This educational strategy aims to move away from the ‘traditional ways of learning’ and does so by supervising tutors in smaller groups to work on real life challenges. 

Another keynote lecture focused on a theme we are currently researching within our own Learning & Design team: the use of self-regulated learning skills among students and teachers. Dr. Therese Grohnert presented her work on an evaluation system, in which self-regulated learning work forms are designed, monitored, and evaluated, with the aim to pinpoint valuable learning goals. 

With a vision on future needs and developments, the third keynote focused on ‘How to foster an educational quality culture’ through the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA). Dr. Carolin Sehlbach & Dr. Renee Stalmeijer focus their research project (tool) on designing a set of (evaluation) processes and activities (such as reflective dialogue and intervision) to improve the quality of existing educational programs. This is a project currently in progress and one which we would like to learn more about. As promised by the EHON network, we will be informed about it once it is completed and free to use for other universities! 

Picture courtesy of Najat El Hani.

EHON aims to exchange current and future developments between higher education networks in The Netherlands. One of their strategies involves maintaining Special Interest Groups (SIG) on various themes in our field. Other networks include Challenge-Based Learning, Impact Research and Coordinating UTQ Trajectories. Interested in joining a SIG on national level to exchange knowledge on recent developments and current (research) projects? Please reach out to me at n.el.hani@llinc.leidenuniv.nl or to someone else from the EHON network to link you up with the right people.  

The SOP days were a wonderful opportunity to meet other colleagues in our fields and were a great environment in which to learn and be inspired! Are you joining us at the next SOP days? For further details regarding EHON’s future events, keep an eye out for their website!