Mixed Classroom

What was the main goal of your project?
The main goal of this project, using the Quality Funds, is to promote the enrichment of the learning process through diversity. How do you ensure every student feels welcome and experiences psychological safety, especially as the student body becomes more diverse? In response, we developed an educational model with a supporting programme: the VU Mixed Classroom Educational Model. The premise is that diversity enriches all students' learning. The model provides lecturers with tools to create an inclusive learning environment where students can safely learn from each other's perspectives. The aim is to familiarize all lecturers with the model's basic principles and support them in its implementation.

What concrete results have you achieved with your project?
Diversity in groups leads to more creativity, sharper analyses, and greater innovation. Good guidance is essential. Lecturers often feel unsure in this area. We wrote two manuals to substantiate and concretize our educational model, designed and delivered training programmes, published papers, and integrated the model into the Basic Teaching Qualification that every new lecturer at VU Amsterdam must complete. Additionally, we collaborate with faculties on tailored projects to further implement the Mixed Classroom concept. Through integration into various professional development programmes of the VU CTL, about 300 VU lecturers become acquainted with the educational model each year.

What did you personally find the most beautiful or special moment during this project? 
It's special when lecturers tell us how the model helps them shape more inclusive education. They often mention moments of (self-)insight during the trainings and workshops. It's a huge compliment when we hear from lecturers and students that, during Mixed Classroom workshops, they've experienced how using the model can lead to greater engagement and understanding of other perspectives, also during moments of discomfort.

How has this project contributed to the improvement of education at VU Amsterdam?
The Mixed Classroom project raises awareness about the added value of diversity in education and the importance of an inclusive learning climate. It has provided concrete tools and resources to achieve both. Emphasizing self-reflection and openness to other perspectives, the model also contributes to the A Broader Mind philosophy. Lecturers appreciate the wide range of strategies and methods, using them to make sensitive topics discussable, stimulate engagement, and practice collaboration skills. Students feel more involved due to the Mixed Classroom model's approach.