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Educational platform SpringLab VU Amsterdam

SpringLab VU - the 'Students as Partners'-platform of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) - stands for innovation and collaboration. This platform, led by students, allows students to actively contribute to their own educational development and that of their fellow students. Seeing students as partners increases engagement and cultivates a culture of joint growth and development.

What is SpringLab VU?

SpringLab VU is a dynamic educational platform within the Faculty of Medicine at the VU, where students create and teach lessons themselves. This is done with guidance of experts. This platform provides an environment in which students can experiment and discover, embracing mistakes as an essential part of the learning process. SpringLab VU is based on the ´Students as Partners'-concept, where students play an active and substantial role in shaping their own education.

Experiences of students and lecturers

Students feel more engaged and better prepared for their future careers thanks to SpringLab. As one student puts it: "SpringLab VU has completely transformed my study experience." Lectures have observed increased motivation and participation among students. "Students bring fresh ideas and energy that elevate our education to a higher level," says a lecturer. 

Professional onboarding

SpringLab VU consists of various student-colleague teams, each with specific responsibilities. These teams are led by a core team of experienced students, who are in turn guided by teachers and experts. New student colleagues undergo a StuKO-certified onboardingsproces, which includes training in didactic skills, lesson development, and evaluation.

Impact of SpringLab

SpringLab VU has realised succesful projects, such as the the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)-course and the Stationstoets-trainingen (STAT), which show how students contribute to educational innovation. SpringLab has had a huge impact within the Faculty of Medicine since its' founding. 

What started as a small initiative has grown into a community with 60 actively engaged student assistants. Each year, more than 60 lessons are offered to approximately 2500 students. Additionally, various pilots and collaborations have resulted in valuable innovations, making the education even more practice-oriented and student-centered.

Download our informative leaflet!

Contactinformation

Interested teachers and policy advisors can contact SpringLab to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

Meet SpringLab

What does SpringLab look like? What do students learn here? What makes SpringLab so unique? 

Engaged lecturers and students take you on a journey of discovery in this short video, showcasing how SpringLab works and why it offers such a unique learning experience.

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.

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Do you want to ask a question? Please contact Carin Weitering, Higher Education Student Affairs, at ctl@vu.nl.
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