Universities of applied sciences jointly develop educational qualifications for students

At universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, students are regularly deployed to provide education, for example to teach working groups. It is important to prepare these student teachers properly for their tasks, and to recognise and value their activities. That is why Dutch higher education institutions are going to cooperate in developing educational qualifications for students. This project, for which UU is the coordinator, will receive 1 million euros from OCW.

Added value of student-teaching positions

The student-teacher position has added value both for the education and for the teaching students themselves. Student-teachers are closer to the students and speak the same language, which means that they often understand the students' perspective better. Student-teachers, in turn, get a chance to get acquainted with teaching and can see if it suits them. Moreover, we know that those who teach, explain and give feedback also learn a lot from it themselves (Hattie, 2011). 

In addition, being a student teacher can generate interest in a career in education, which is in line with the increasing importance attached to good teaching in higher education. In this way, student-teaching is one of the many contributions to recognising and valuing the diversity of academic and other careers in higher education.

Project content

The project will first survey Dutch institutes for higher education to determine the various forms of student-teaching positions. Pilots of training modules will then be developed for student-teachers to prepare them better for their teaching activities. A national quality standard will also be drawn up, in which teaching qualifications will be laid down.

Teaching qualifications for teachers already common

Obtaining teaching qualifications has long been common practice among lecturers. Lecturers follow didactic training and reflect on the education they give in order to obtain their Basic Teaching Qualification (BKO) or Senior Teaching Qualification (SKO). A BKO is required to obtain a permanent appointment as a teacher, and an SKO to become a professor. The Dutch universities recognise each other's obtained qualifications, resulting in a national quality standard. This project will create a harmonious continuum in educational qualifications, starting with students.

Want to contribute?

Are you a lecturer or student and would you like to contribute to this project? If so, please let Karin Smit (Onderwijsadvies & Training) or Rik Vangangelt (Centre for Academic Teaching) know.