Research Themes
The research programme of the SHE is concentrated on two main research themes: 'Learning and Innovative Learning Environments' and 'Assessment and Evaluation'. These themes are closely aligned with educational development within the medicine and health sciences curricula.
Learning and Innovative Learning Environments
The first theme is concerned with learning environments that challenge learners to become active and self-directed learners. Projects in this theme study the principles and effects of, for example, problem-based learning (PBL), experiential learning, work-based learning, competency-based learning, and so forth. Studies typically focus on how to design and develop authentic learning environments, how to find an appropriate balance between informal and formal learning, how to stimulate students to use knowledge about basic principles and mechanisms in real practice, how to reach transfer of learning from the educational institute into practice, how to design new ICT-tools and technologies that contribute to effective collaborative learning, how to increase student motivation in learning environments, et cetera. Studies within the first theme not only focus on the role of the student, but also on the role of the teacher, coach or supervisor as a facilitator of student learning.
Assessment and Evaluation
The second theme focuses on innovative assessment approaches, such as student portfolios, teaching portfolios, recognition of acquired competencies, qualitative assessment strategies, and design principles in programmatic assessment approaches. The focus is not exclusively on student and teacher assessment, but also on evaluation of education and quality assurance. Subjects of research are design and validation of instruments and assessment programs for evaluating teacher performance and the design, implementation and testing of quality assurance systems.
