Teaching and learning settings & methods

Excursions enable experience-based learning through direct engagement with real contexts, whereby the understanding of theoretical concepts is deepened by observing and reflecting on practice. Analytical skills, critical reflection skills and a sharpened ability to observe are practiced. Excursions require careful planning, including coordination with external partners. They can take place once or regularly. Worksheets, photo documentation or digital reflection formats such as blogs support the follow-up.

Gamification & simulation increase student motivation and engagement by integrating playful elements or realistic scenarios into the learning process. Problem-solving skills, critical thinking and teamwork are developed through interactive challenges and practical decision-making processes. Implementation requires targeted integration into the curriculum and can accompany individual sessions or entire courses. Digital and physical environments provide space for these learning formats, while tools such as learning platforms, VR/AR applications or simulation games support the learning process.

Flipped classroom / inverted classroom: The majority of knowledge is acquired through self-directed learning before the classroom session, while the time together is used for in-depth discussions and practical application. Students benefit from a more intensive engagement with the content and develop independent learning and critical thinking. The teacher provides materials such as videos or interactive learning modules in advance and designs the face-to-face sessions in an activating way. This format can be used throughout the semester and works in both face-to-face and online settings. Digital platforms and forums enable structured support for the learning process.

Independent Studies promote individual, self-determined learning with minimal supervision. Students deepen their interests independently, improving their self-organization, time management and research skills. The teacher merely provides impulses and sets milestones for orientation. This format is flexible in terms of time and enables location-independent learning. Learning platforms, e-books and online courses serve as central resources.

PBL - Problem Based Learning focuses on learning on the basis of real or practical problems. Students develop solutions independently, discuss different approaches and apply theoretical knowledge directly. This enables them to develop their problem-solving skills, teamwork and research-based learning. They work in small groups with tutorial support to develop structured solutions. The format can be implemented during the semester or in block courses and takes place in person or online. Case studies, simulations and online collaboration tools support the process.

Peer teaching & peer feedback: Here, students take on the role of teachers by imparting content to their fellow students. Peer feedback enables them to give each other constructive feedback. Both methods promote in-depth understanding, reflection on one's own learning process and strengthen communicative and didactic skills. Implementation requires a clear structure and transparent assessment criteria. Peer teaching can be integrated into regular units or as a single event and works in both face-to-face and online formats. Collaborative documents, assessment rubrics and digital feedback tools facilitate implementation.