“Research-based learning from the outset – heterogeneity as potential” (ForstA): That is the title of the winning application submitted by the University of Bremen within the context of a competitive call for proposals published by the Gemeinsamen Wissenschaftskonferenz (GWK). In the period 2012 – 2016 the University is to receive some nine million euros of funding under a program run by the Federal Government and the Federal States called “Qualitätspakt Lehre” [quality pact for teaching]. The aim of the program is to enhance the supervision of students, to improve the quality of teaching across the university landscape, and to secure the success of the new structure of studies. The decision in favor of the University of Bremen fell in the second round of applications, which attracted 135 competitive proposals. All in all, 90% of German universities participated in the competitive procedure.
In its application for the ForstA project, the University of Bremen decided to encompass the entire course of university studies, starting with the transition to university from school or employment up to graduation and career entry. Members of faculty are just as much in focus as the students themselves. On the one hand, teaching is to be improved in respect of content and delivery, i.e. a raising of faculty competences. On the other hand, right at the start of their studies the students are to be introduced to the disciplinary core of their subject via research-based learning. In addition to this, the training of key competences is to be given a boost and the final phase of studies is to be supplemented with research and writing workshops. The heterogeneity of the student body will not only be taken into account; rather, it is seen as a special source of the university’s potential that is to be tapped proactively.
By virtue of the ForstA program the University of Bremen underscores its constant endeavor to create close connections between research and teaching. Particularly the Bremen tradition of teaching projects (“Bremen Model”) stands for elements of independent learning with a focus on social issues. The change to the structure of studies brought about by the introduction of Bachelor‘s and Master’s programs meant that the University has had to “reinvent” the Bremen tradition of learning in projects. Moreover, supported by a strong teaching offer the University has succeeded in developing profile as a research university, among other things being invited to submit an application in the third round of the Excellence Initiative. ForstA adds to these successes and will contribute to further improvements in studies and research.
For more information contact:
Universität Bremen
Prof. Dr. Heidi Schelhowe (Vice-Rector for Academic Teaching and Studies)
Phone: 0421 218-60021
e-mail: kon2protect me ?!vw.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
and
Referat Lehre und Studium:
Dr. Thomas Köcher und Katharina Pechtold
Phone: 0421/ 218-60350
e-mail: tkoecherprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de
