The Education Agenda 2023-2028 was adopted by the Executive Board. What does it mean for education at VU Amsterdam? We ask Isabella van Ophem, Education Agenda programme manager. "We are in constant conversation about how to improve education."
Why an Education Agenda?
"The Education Agenda is an agenda that contains all our plans for education at VU. Plans for the next five years to improve education. We have translated the VU Strategy and the VU Educational Vision into concrete results and activities: the Education Agenda. In addition to the five-year plan, we make a focused plan each year."
What are the main educational goals for the next five years?
"We are strengthening our educational profile and educational portfolio based on our educational vision and strategy. In doing so, we are building on the line taken in recent years. For example, we have new and additional focus on broad academic, personal and interpersonal skills in education, and activating and blended education. We also promote customized learning. In addition, we are further committed to increasing student success and student well-being. This means, among other things, that in 2028 education is designed so that all students can optimally develop their talents and feel connected to their education and the university. Our education contributes to the development of resilient students who take charge of their own careers."
It’s the student’s turn, in other words?
"Definitely. We pay attention to student well-being, but certainly also to teacher development and teacher well-being. Recognizing and valuing teaching professionals, and reducing teacher workload. We are also working to optimize teaching facilities and provide integrated, high-quality support for teaching."
What are the goals for 2023?
"In 2023, we’ll roll out activating blended education. We strengthen recognizing and valuing education. We want to address the shortage of teaching spaces. And we want to further bring education systems in order, such as digital assessment and large-scale digital testing."
The Education Agenda talks about an ‘innovative mindset’. What does that mean?
"By that we mean constantly looking for, and being in conversation about, improving the quality of education. We continue to develop and improve ourselves."
How does it differ from the previous multi-year Education Agenda?
"In this Education Agenda 2023-2028, there is more focus on teachers: on teacher development and teacher well-being. And in the previous Education Agenda, 'attention to the culture of quality' was a separate component. A lot of attention has been paid to that in recent years. It is now woven into other parts."
What are you proud of?
"That we have been working together at VU Amsterdam in this way for years to improve education. We are one of the few universities working with a multi-year Education Agenda. That helps tremendously as an education improvement engine."
