Professional Development

In this workshop, you will develop an understanding of what constitutes STEM education research and the various methodologies typically utilised in STEM education research, identify ‘selling’ research ideas, and potential funding opportunities. 

In this workshop, you will evaluate and reflect on current designs for group work. Based on clear criteria, we will discuss specific improvements to increase the effectiveness of group work with a focus on collaborative skills.

In this workshop, you will explore if available AI technologies are adding value to your courses and make sense of how to work from current guidelines on the use of AI to preserve fairness, accountability, transparency, and ethical aspects. 

In this workshop, we will explore the potential of empathy in fostering learning and promoting inclusion. We will also highlight the necessity of teaching and practising this life skill in higher education. Delving into non-violent communication, we will introduce participants to practical tools for empathetic connection- both in everyday interactions and educational settings.

For formative assessment to be effective in promoting student learning, good feedback practices are essential. This workshop introduces lecturers to seven principles of good feedback practices. Participants will apply these principles to the analysis of teaching approaches and reflect on the effectiveness of their own feedback practices.

This workshop will focus on cultural diversity in the context of STEM education. It will explore how students’ diverse backgrounds influence their expectations and learning approaches and how teachers need to recognise and accommodate these differences to develop and adjust effective teaching strategies. Ultimately, this process will foster the development of teachers’ own intercultural competences.
*registration is necessary

In this workshop, we will explore the use of escape games for students to deepen their understanding in STEM courses, as part of a current Comenius project. We will discuss the role of game mechanics, how to align learning objectives and game content, and how escape games offer exciting opportunities for opening discussions on diversity and inclusion. To make it practical, participants will have the opportunity to test some of the games and even visit the pop-up escape room that is created as part of this Comenius project.

Provided by dr. Sofie van den Eynde

Want to boost student engagement and make your course design more intentional? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the principles of activity-based and blended learning to assess and improve your current course setup. Together, we’ll examine the role of different activities in the learning process, identify signs of overload, and explore how the course flow can be streamlined. You’ll also discover how varied interactions—with content, peers, and you as the instructor—can enhance learning, and how online tools can support your goals. Walk away with concrete ideas and a clear starting point for redesigning your course for greater impact.

How can game-based learning enhance student engagement and deepen understanding? This seminar explores the power of gamification in education and features an inspiring Best Practice Award 2025 (BPA) nominee from FSE.

Dr. Edith Koh from the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) at FSE will provide insights into the educational theories that support gamification.

Prof. Ranjita Bose from BSc Chemical Engineering will present a successful implementation of game-based learning in her course. By incorporating game-based challenges, this approach transforms the theoretical nature of polymer chemistry into an interactive and engaging learning experience. Students are encouraged to think critically, make decisions, and connect complex concepts to real-world applications.

The session will conclude with an open discussion, during which participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and explore how game-based learning can enhance their own courses.