What?

A good curriculum is implemented through a varied set of teaching methods.  If chosen well, the teaching (and assessment) methods will ensure that the final competencies (learning outcomes) at the level of the course unit are acquired as efficiently as possible. There should be a gradual and logical building-up so that the students reach increasingly higher levels of attainment.  Lecturers avail themselves of the Ghent University Glossary to choose the appropriate teaching and assessment methods. They use the course sheet to inform students of the teaching and assessment methods they implement in their teaching practice. Choosing the right teaching method depends on several factors, i.e. the content, the lecturer’s approach, and the student numbers.   

A curriculum should include a well-rounded combination of traditional teaching methods such as lectures and independent study for knowledge acquisition in tandem with newer methods like excursions and group assignments for developing skills and attitudes. The Programme Committee promotes a mix of online and on-campus teaching in line with the final competencies (learning outcomes). In both cases, students actively engage with the learning content, individually, in interaction with themselves, and with the lecturers.  The Programme Committee monitors and evaluates the chosen teaching methods following the study programme’s specific context and profile.  

A well-matched and varied set of (active) teaching methods stimulates and supports the students’ self-management: gradually, they learn to take on more responsibilities in their learning process.  If a study programme successfully encourages student participation, it will improve their learning opportunities and enable them to fully develop their skills, resulting in greater academic success. The Programme Committee monitors the mix of teaching methods in the curriculum and ensures a suitable assessment method for each of them.  

Why?

A well-considered selection of teaching methods in the curriculum is necessary to attain the learning outcomes for all the students. Offering a varied set of online and on-campus teaching methods meets the learning needs of students. A variation in teaching methods promotes the students’ motivation and commitment, ensures a comprehensive understanding of contents (e.g. making application possible) and caters to the students’ different learning strategies.