EDLAB education research grants
EDLAB - Maastricht University Centre for Teaching & Learning invites Maastricht University staff to apply for an EDLAB education research grant à €10,000. The aim of this grant is to stimulate both academic and support staff to conduct short-term education research on a topic related to teaching & learning at UM.
Introducing the 2024-25 grant winners!
We received 13 applications this year representing a wide variety of intriguing research topics and inter-faculty/service centre collaborations. EDLAB Education Research Sounding Board (ERSB) members have conducted independent reviews, and on 11 April all ERSB members met together at EDLAB to evaluate each application in lively rounds of discussion. This resulted in a selection of the winners, with detailed feedback being provided to all applicants.
This year’s education research projects will explore topics including using generative AI to improve self-study in PBL, developing AI-proof assessment tools for education, assessing gamification's impact on student engagement in biology classes, and testing VR frameworks to manage public speaking stress, among others.
Below is an overview of the 9 winning projects. From October onwards, we will post videos of the grant winners in which they introduce themselves and their projects further. (Intranet login)
| Name/Faculty | Project proposal |
| Main applicant: Louise David (FHML) Co-applicants: Stefan Jongen (FSE) Dietbert Neumann (FHML) Felicitas Biwer (FHML) Anique de Bruin (FHML) | Feasibility of applying Generative AI to improve students’ self-study in a Problem-Based Learning environment This project examines how students can create, evaluate, and use AI-generated practice questions effectively during self-study. |
| Main applicant: Ryan Magdalena (FPN) Co-applicants: Mahnaz Nabil (SBE) Micol Iannuzzi (FPN) Melanie Smekal (FPN) Nisali Perera (FPN) | Enhancing Problem-Based Learning: evaluating the impact of decentralising PBL Training at Maastricht University This project will collect content information, competency, and self-efficacy of staff and students in relation to using PBL. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study will help to optimise PBL training in education programmes, but could also lead to increased between-faculty collaboration on this topic. |
| Main applicant: Anna Villarica (FASoS) Co-applicants: Sanne Schreurs (FHML) Jairaj Gopalakrishnan (FASoS) | Creative and AI-proof Assessments / Education Design AI’s role in education raises concerns about authenticity and creativity, prompting calls for change. This project will develop an open-access toolkit offering best practices, practical advice, and AI-proof assessment designs based on research and staff collaboration. |
| Main applicant: Khrystyna Semen (FSE/UCV) Co-applicants: Carmen Padilla Diaz (Brightlands Future Farming Institute) Pim Martens (FSE/UCV) Jonathan van Tilburg (FHML) Gavin Philips (FSE/CE) Patrick Aarts (FSE) | Gamification involving co-creation: a way to boost engagement of freshmen in biology class This project will aim to assess the impact of gamification and co-creation on first-year students’ engagement during biology classes. By involving students in developing educational games and integrating them into lessons, we expect improved engagement, academic performance, and learning experiences. |
| Main applicant: Jenny Schell-Leugers (FSE/UCM) Co-applicants: Arie van der Lugt (FPN) Teun Dekker (FSE/UCM) | Measuring and reporting on generic skills development at University College Maastricht Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) programmes teach valuable skills like critical thinking and writing, but lack methods to measure and report students’ proficiency. This gap limits students’ self-awareness and ability to showcase their skills. The proposed project at UCM will pilot a system to assess and report students’ skills development, enhancing the value of LAS education. |
| Main applicant: Anna Harris (FASoS) Co-applicants: Emmaline Brouwer (FHML-SHE) Marijke Kruithof (FHML-SHE-Collaborates) | Making together, learning together: a DIY catalogue for health professions education This research project seeks to collect and share low-cost learning materials for healthcare educators and explore the benefits of collaborative creation. The goal is to produce a catalogue of findings in both analogue and digital formats for UM’s open educational resources. |
| Main applicant: Joedith López Cuello (FPN) Co-applicant: Andrew Oringer (FSE) | Promoting authentic reflection: the mentor's role This qualitative study will explore mentors' views on supporting student self-reflection and examine the challenges and resources they face in encouraging reflective thinking among students. |
| Main applicant: Rikus Nieuwenhuis (FHML) Co-applicant: Raf Widdershoven (FASoS) | Developing a protocol for evaluating the impact of student advising on positive behavior change in students The project aims to pilot a systematic approach to evaluate student advising at Maastricht University. Using student data, we will assess how advising affects academic performance, career development, and personal growth. Objectives include defining measurable goals, developing evaluation protocols, and creating a roadmap for ongoing assessment. The project seeks to improve advising services and move towards evidence-based practices at Maastricht University. |
| Main applicant: Corinna Rott (SBE) Co-applicants: Roberta Di Palma (SBE-MW/DEXLab) Stef Bouman (MUMC) | Enhancing student public speaking skills: the (De)Stress Virtual Reality Framework This project focuses on public speaking in PBL at UM and its stress-inducing effects. It will test the (De)Stress VR Framework using wearable technology to evaluate VR's role in simulating stress and reducing it. The goal is to see if students apply skills learned in VR to real-world scenarios and to validate the framework for future VR training projects. The project aims to establish best practices for technology-enhanced learning, improving students' performance and stress management for sustainable careers. |
About the grant programme
Education research relevant for UM
At EDLAB, we believe that education research is essential to maintaining Maastricht University's leadership in research-based education innovation. We therefore want to support theoretically informed and methodologically appropriate investigation of research questions aimed at developing understanding and contributing to the improvement of education. Projects typically focus on topics such as educational design, delivery, assessment, and teaching/learning experience, with implications for UM's problem-based learning & teaching environment.
This grant is also intended to serve as a stepping stone for researchers interested in applying for larger education grants, such as Comenius, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), and other NRO grants.
Interdisciplinary by design
Conducting education research often requires not only specific contextual and disciplinary knowledge but also theoretical knowledge and methodological approaches that differ from those common to other research disciplines. Therefore, this grant invites interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages the development of mentor-mentee relationships between staff members who are relatively less- and more experienced in conducting education research. Grant proposals can be submitted by teams of a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 6 members, who represent at least 2 different UM faculties/service centres.
Grant proposals are reviewed by the EDLAB Education Research Sounding Board (ERSB) comprising representatives from all six UM faculties, along with EDLAB Director Ellen Bastiaens, and Alice Pan, EDLAB Coordinator for Education Research.
Education research professional development
In relation to this grant programme, EDLAB offers an annual series of events and workshops designed to help participants learn and grow through the challenges specific to understanding and relating education research to teaching practice, as well as how to design and conduct education research in interdisciplinary teams.
Upcoming workshops will dive into topics ranging from “what is education research and how is it relevant for teaching practice?” to “education research design and methodology,” “education research data collection & analysis,” and even how to apply for higher level grants such as Comenius and NRO. More information about each event will be shared on the UM staff intranet. (Intranet login)