Are you ready to advance your academic and professional skills by guiding fellow students and leading and facilitating group sessions? This course offers you the unique opportunity to merge the VU A Broader Mind programme with your Honours trajectory.
As a participant, you will not only develop and enhance your coaching and teaching skills, but you will also engage in thoughtful reflection on the Broader Mind Course themes. Moreover, in this course the ideas behind the A Broader Mind programme are placed in the framework of a larger discussion on the future of academic education. Is there a role for universities in the moral and personal development of their students, and if so, what is this role? You will be challenged to develop your own ideas, and come up with innovative proposals for the future of university curricula.
Through a variety of exercises and assignments, students will cultivate the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate both themselves and others. Diverse educational methods are employed, including case- and problem-based learning, training in transformative learning techniques, guided reflection (both individual and group), peer feedback, and presentation skills. These approaches are designed to enhance personal and professional growth in a dynamic learning environment.This course is a pioneering educational trajectory that aligns academic education more closely with personal development, societal needs and public discussions. Students will learn to manage group discussions and mentor their peers effectively, acquiring skills in classroom facilitation and developing their leadership positions. Throughout the course, you will explore key concepts such as the Mixed Classroom, Action Research, navigating 'Hot Moments' in groups, and harnessing differences as a resource.
As you progress, you will transition from learning and training to guiding, ultimately taking on the role of a leader and peer educator in the Broader Mind course. This journey is underpinned by continuous theoretical reflection on educational innovation, enhancing your understanding and application of these principles.
The scientific relevance of this course lies in its focus on transformative learning, Bildung, and an interdisciplinary educational approach. By building on a foundation of transformative learning, students are equipped to guide their peers through diverse and critical themes, from human success and failure to poverty and sustainability. The guiding experience combines practical and theoretical training, creating a uniquely effective learning environment.
For more information and course details, go to 'Curriculum' at the top of the page.