Research-oriented Teaching
It is part of Heidelberg University’s self-concept to integrate research into the teaching process at all stages of academic education. Realising the overall concept of research-oriented teaching requires that the university’s internal structures be optimised to support academic study and teaching. The newly established “Network for Research-Oriented Teaching”, consisting of the deans of studies and the board of trustees of the Graduate Academy, strengthens the exchange between research and teaching this requires.
Structure of degree programmes
To optimally support academic competence, the degree programmes at Heidelberg University will be made more flexible. During the first funding phase of the Excellence Initiative, the need for greater flexibility became especially apparent in the graduate schools and clusters of excellence, where pilot projects with more flexible degree programmes have already been completed. In addition to offering three-year bachelor and two-year master programmes, the university will also offer four-year bachelor programmes.
Courses and degree programmes
The university will use the following instruments to further enhance research orientation and interdisciplinarity in teaching:
- The Marsilius Studies programme that evolved from the Marsilius Kolleg in the 1st funding phase will be enhanced. This programme applies the discourse in the Marsilius Kolleg to interdisciplinary teaching.
- Incentives will be offered to promote a particular commitment to teaching, using the university’s core funding. This includes allocation of resources to teaching projects and visiting programmes aimed at promoting inter-university and international exchange on innovative teaching and learning concepts, and hosting intra-university expert workshops.
Tutor training programmes
Starting with the second year of study, students can participate in tutor training programmes to acquire basic qualifications in higher education didactics. Particularly gifted students may have the opportunity to begin teaching early on, under close supervision from their teachers. Cross-generational teaching teams consisting of an experienced teacher and a junior researcher will be formed for this purpose.
