Educational platform SpringLab VU Amsterdam

The goals of SpringLab

• Empowering students in their learning process

  SpringLab empowers students by giving them an active role in their own learning process. The platform provides education that seamlessly matches students' needs and interests, while they develop valuable skills in teaching and leadership.

• Creating and teaching lessons autonomously

  Students design and deliver elective lessons for their peers. These lessons, often held in the evening, cover a wide range of topics, from practical skills to theoretical knowledge, always with a focus on direct applicability. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to delve deeper into specific subjects beyond the regular curriculum.

• Foster collaboration between students and teachers

  SpringLab VU is a dynamic testing ground for educational innovation, where students and teachers collaboratively develop innovative and challenging curricula. In close partnership with educators and lecturers, students actively contribute to improving and modernising the existing curriculum. This ranges from redesigning current lessons to integrating new, practice-oriented modules into the educational program.

• Innovating with flexible teaching methods

  SpringLab VU provides an experimental space where teachers can test new teaching methods and techniques, leveraging student feedback and experiences to enhance the effectiveness of these innovations. With approaches such as just-in-time learning and community-based learning, SpringLab ensures that education remains flexible and relevant. This approach optimally aligns the learning process with the current needs of students.

• Internal growth and strengthening

  SpringLab VU aims to further establish itself within the medical education program as the leading platform for educational innovation and collaboration. The opening of the Living Library will play a crucial role in this effort. This community and active learning space provides students with a welcoming environment to meet peers, study, and practice practical skills.

• Strengthening VU's educational vision

  The VU's educational vision emphasises development, social engagement, and scientific integrity. SpringLab aligns perfectly with this vision by actively involving students in the educational process.

  In addition, SpringLab reinforces the university's educational vision by promoting its core values. The platform fosters critical thinking skills, personal growth, and a strong sense of community, resulting in well-educated and engaged academics.

• Expanding and scaling up SkillsLabs

  SpringLab VU is ambitious and is constantly looking at opportunities for growth and expansion. Plans are ready to roll out the platform as SkillsLab to other faculties and programmes within VU Amsterdam, with the aim of creating a broader impact across the university's educational landscape.