The Dutch Education Award is the highest distinction in secondary and higher education. This award recognizes and rewards exceptional initiatives that improve education and stimulate innovation.
Students take charge
Self-directed learning, developing practical skills, and co-creating education with teachers and medical experts: this is the unique learning environment of SpringLab VU. At the platform of the Faculty of Medicine VU, students themselves create and teach lessons under the guidance of experts. Hands-on experiences help students to approach their medical careers better prepared and more confidently. The award-winning initiative gives an active role to students in the educational process, resulting in greater engagement and better educational quality.
Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts: “We are incredibly proud that SpringLab VU has won the Dutch Education Award! This is the first time we have received this prestigious prize, and it confirms how valuable our platform is. SpringLab VU, created by and for students, is the place for educational innovation and demonstrates the importance of students in higher education. This recognition gives us a tremendous boost to continue creating innovative education that perfectly prepares our students for their future.”
What makes SpringLab VU so unique?
Founded in 2019 at the Faculty of Medicine VU, the platform enables students to shape their own learning paths and practice practical skills such as performing and interpreting ultrasounds under the guidance of experienced doctors. Hands-on learning in a realistic setting boosts their confidence and better prepares them for medical practice. Moreover, SpringLab VU serves as a testing ground for educational innovations, where teachers try new methods and receive direct feedback from students.
“The success of SpringLab is evident from the high participation rates; annually, about 2500 students take more than 60 facultative classes. Thanks to financial support from study advance funds and quality funds, participation is free for students and therefore highly accessible. We can see the results: when students have a specific question, they turn to SpringLab. It is a place where they can learn what they want, ranging from skill training to personal development”, says Aäron Spapens, lifestyle doctor and project leader of SpringLab VU.
Planned expansion
SpringLab VU continues to grow and innovate. The goal is to become the go-to platform for educational innovation and collaboration within the medical programme. They are integrating the latest technologies, such as simulations and virtual reality, to make learning more interactive and effective. An important step is expanding into interdisciplinary education. Together with the VU Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), they will extend the SpringLab model to other faculties.
More Information
Watch this YouTube video, SpringLab VU at Amsterdam UMC, the Instagram page, or check out the website.
Contact
For questions and more information about SpringLab VU: springlabvu@gmail.com.
