Workload measure: shortened blocks starting 2024-2025
In the coming academic year, the Psychology programme will have 7 teaching weeks per block instead of 8. Also, the exam weeks will be shifted slightly. What will be the impact of this new measure on workload for students and staff?
The reason for this change is the workload that teachers have been experiencing for a long time and the stress among students. Attention has been drawn to this in the past by the Institute Council, among others.
On the advice of representatives of the programme committees in December 2022, a lot of time has been spent recently investigating the possibilities for an annual schedule consisting of 4 blocks of 7 teaching weeks.
In this way moments of rest are being created during the year that teachers can use to prepare for teaching but also to spend time on research, without having to switch between research and teaching. Students can use this time for reflection and contemplation, for preparation for the new semester, or for other valuable, extra-curricular activities.
Heleen Oostebrink, Education Manager: 'The intention is not to offer exactly the same amount of material or number of meetings in less weeks. Course coordinators receive support in adjusting their course if necessary. A lot of attention will be paid to this topic during the Education Kick-off on Thursday, January 25. What the academic schedule will look like exactly? This is being worked on right now and will be clear soon.'
Pascal Haazebroek, Director of Education: 'We are convinced that the new timetable does not lead to a reduction in the quality of education, but that it actually contributes to this through moments of rest and space. A second major advantage is that the (re)examinations in July are completed earlier, which means that teachers and students can enjoy their summer holidays sooner and teachers can also focus earlier on their other core tasks such as research. This new annual schedule is used to reduce work pressure, but is not a cost-cutting measure. We are proud of our education, which is of very high quality, and with this measure we want to enable teachers and students to shape this education even better together.'