Last updated on 15 August 2024
Esther van Zandwijk responds to first-year's expectations by turning their first course inside out, and preparing them better for the academic environment.
Esther van Zandwijk, education staff adviser, noticed that first-year medical students' expectations did not align those of the programme itself. In addition, students were not prepared for the academic environment. She decided to turn their first course inside out. The students no longer start by just consuming knowledge in the lecture hall, but are given more personal commitment, engage in reflection and self-responsibility. They apply this new format to the subject of skin and immune defence. The results of the first batch with this innovation are still pending, but her colleagues and the faculty are already enthusiastic. Her tip? Make sure your innovation has a broad support base, spread the word because: education is made together!