Opening Academic Year: Ellen Bastiaens on PBL and the Future of Learning
The academic year 2025/26 opened on 1 September with a programme at Theater aan het Vrijthof themed UM Innovates – today’s education, tomorrow’s skills. The event asked us to reflect on how we prepare students for a world shaped by ongoing technological and social change while staying true to UM’s educational philosophy.
The keynote by European Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu set the tone, highlighting Europe’s commitment to people, skills, and education as the foundation of a resilient future. Professor Mark Levels (ROA) spoke about the disruptive impact of AI on the labour market and the need for reskilling and adaptability.
Adding to these perspectives, Ellen Bastiaens, Director of EDLAB, spoke about the enduring role of PBL and how it can guide us in shaping education in a world where AI is becoming increasingly present.
The lasting value of PBL: “Education is about forming minds”
Bastiaens highlighted the strength of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), which has shaped UM’s identity for 50 years. Inspired by a story her daughter shared during her medical studies, she underlined how PBL goes beyond acquiring knowledge: “Deep, critical learning goes beyond answers, toward understanding, responsibility, and curiosity.”
In a time when AI is part of our daily reality, Bastiaens stressed that it’s up to us to ensure students don’t lose sight of what really matters: the ability to reflect, to ask better questions, and to find their own direction: “AI can generate answers, but it can’t reason, doubt, or care. It needs direction from us.”
Looking ahead: the Future of Learning
EDLAB is launching the AI and the Future of Learning at UM project, a university-wide initiative to explore what AI means for the future of learning at UM. Running until December 2026, the project will combine reflection on the university’s broader role with practical experimentation in teaching, learning, and assessment. It will result in scenarios, guidelines, and examples to support our community.
Bastiaens extended an open invitation to colleagues and students: "We are not naïve about the challenges. Yet, we are not standing on the sidelines either. We choose to act. Together.”
EDLAB turns 10
This year also marks EDLAB’s 10th anniversary. From 15 September to 3 October, EDLAB will open its doors in a museum-like format, named EDLAB X, with workshops, exhibitions, conversations, and a few surprises. Bastiaens warmly invited everyone to join, share ideas, and celebrate together.
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