Department of Educational Research and Development (ERD)
The Department of Educational Research and Development (ERD) is located within UM’s School of Business and Economics (SBE). Initially, it was established in 1984 as a small unit dedicated to provide evidence-based insights on developing problem-based learning in the domains of Business and Economics. There was a strong need within SBE to acquire expertise on how to implement a pedagogy which found its roots in medical education: Problem-Based Learning. Whenever educational advice was needed, it was always founded in evidence-based research.
With the success and growth of SBE, this unit became one of the academic departments contributing to teaching, research, and consultancy in various programs. But it kept its distinct profile, focusing on educational development with a base in educational research. Nowadays, this department is known for its expertise in teaching, research, educational development and consultancy. It is recognized for its top-ranked master on Learning and Development in Organizations (a joint venture together with the Department of Organisation, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship and the Research Center for Education and Labour Market). Moreover, it is known for its research on workplace-learning, and its consultancy work for teachers (located in the Learning Academy) and companies (together with SBE’s UMIO).
Our staff consists of more than 30 colleagues who are committed to the delivery of research-informed teaching, and provision of evidence-informed consultancy. We publish in top-ranked journals, and most of our research is conducted together with companies or as collaborative effort with SBE’s teaching staff. Some of our key faculty members work in a wide range of business domains, applying their expertise on Learning and Development.
Within ERD, we engage in a wide range of activities spanning research, education, and our Learning Academy. Our work is deeply connected to industry, fostering collaborations with companies in various ways.
Explore our work and discover how we can collaborate to drive innovation and knowledge forward!
Highlighted Projects & News
Distinguished Career Award
April 2025, Wim Gijselaers received the Distinguished Career Award from the Education in the Professions Division (I) at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. The Distinguished Career Award is given every other year to a nominated individual who, over a significant number of years, has been an exceptionally productive scholar and leader in the community of education in the professions through contributions to review processes, development of new investigators, communication with end-users, and regular participation in Division I.
Learning at the workplace
Connect with our Msc. Learning & Development in Organisations Students
The MSc. Learning & Development in Organisations team warmly invites L&D professionals to connect with our highly engaged and motivated master’s students. Your experiences and insights into L&D practice are critical for their professional development.
By connecting with our students, you can:
- Share Knowledge: Join our students for a guest lecture or workshop to share your insights, practical skills, challenges, and knowledge.
- Inspire Innovation: Engage with enthusiastic students who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the field, building on a diverse set of prior education, work experience, and cultural backgrounds.
- Showcase Your Organisation and Build Networks: By inviting students on a company visit, for example, let students experience your workplace culture, practices, and opportunities, potentially attracting future talent.
Working with a range of partners over the years, we have seen how enriching these interactions are for our students, but also for the growth and development of the L&D community. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please reach out to our programme leader Therese Grohnert via t.grohnert@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information and support in developing suitable activities.
We look forward to connecting and learning with you!
The MSc. Learning & Development in Organisations Team
Learning at higher education + coaching on employabilty
Today’s students face a lot of uncertainty about their future careers. It’s no longer enough to just memorize facts—they need skills and mindsets that help them adapt and stay employable over time. Plus, with students bringing a wide range of experiences, knowledge, and interests to their studies, personalized learning has become more important than ever. That’s why it’s crucial for educators to know how to help students recognize their strengths, set meaningful goals, and confidently navigate career paths.
At ERD, one of our main research areas focuses on how coaching and reflective learning can boost students’ employability in higher education. We explore how coaching programs and reflective activities can be designed to develop key skills that prepare students for today’s complex and ever-changing work environments. Our findings help shape educational practices that make career development a natural part of the learning journey.
So, have you ever wondered:
- How coaching can be effectively designed to truly support student learning?
- How coaching can help students to take ownership over their career development?
- How reflection deepens students’ employability skills?
- How coaching and reflection can be used to create personalized learning?
Get in touch with us to explore collaboration opportunities or learn more about our research via: w.nuis@maastrichtuniversity.nl