A Transformation at Europa-Universität: Engaging Discussions Instead of Lectures at the University of Viadrina
Discussion Sessions Replacing Lectures at Viadrina University - Discussion-based sessions replace traditional lectures at the University of Viadrina
The Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) is experiencing a shift, primarily due to a continuous drop in student numbers. The university's administration is moving towards more contemporary teaching styles: The traditional lecture hall is soon to be demolished, and round tables will foster a more conference-like environment. The university authorities announced this change. The Viadrina is also considering new degree programs to draw in more students, and they aren't ruling out phasing out less popular options.
A university reform plan is set to be finalized by early July, after which it will be presented to the Ministry of Science. According to the university data, the student count for the winter semester 2018/19 was approximately 6,500, but currently, they have around 3,700 students enrolled. This student decrease isn't exclusive to Viadrina, as student numbers have dwindled at other German university locations as well.
University President: Prioritize Quality
In response to the declining numbers, Viadrina President Eduard Mühlle stated, "Maybe we haven't tried hard enough." The university's marketing needs to improve as well. Many young people in the business field prefer private universities, Mühlle mentioned. He views the dwindling student numbers as an opportunity to focus more on quality.
The Viadrina has a focus on Eastern Europe, with Poland being a significant neighbor, but also Ukraine.
Vice President: Embrace Serious Study
The university aims to see more dedication from its students. Christoph Börmmelmeyer, Viadrina's vice president for teaching and studies, who himself teaches business law, stated that lectures are not an "optional entertainment program." "I'm not Jan Böhmermann," he said, referring to the popular comedian.
The university aspires to foster a "culture of commitment" to ensure students truly attend important lectures. "One must seriously engage with topics," said Börmmelmeyer.
Moving Towards Modern Teaching: Moving Away from Lectures
Teaching is undergoing modernization at the Viadrina: The university aims to eliminate conventional frontal teaching, where the professor stands at the front, and the students sit in fixed rows in front. "Good teaching should be the hallmark," said Börmmelmeyer. He prefers conference formats at round tables because they encourage greater participation.
Business Administration Model: Three Days at Uni, Two Days at the Office
Europa-Universität is embracing dual study programs, for instance, following the model "Three days at uni - two days at the employer's." A business administration degree ("Business Taxation") will launch in autumn, with students working in tax consulting firms, according to Viadrina Professor Christina Elschner.
The university is developing new programs in the areas of digitization, migration, and sustainability. They anticipate offering these programs as early as the winter semester 2026/2027, as the university leadership announced.
According to statistics, there were a total of 48,133 students enrolled at universities in Brandenburg during the summer semester 2024. This was 1,726 more students than the previous summer semester.
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- Europa-Universität Viadrina
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- Frankfurt (Oder)
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- The university administration at Europa-Universität Viadrina is considering the implementation of vocational training programs as part of their reform plan, aiming to attract more students and focus on quality education and self-development.
- In the quest to foster a culture of commitment and move towards contemporary teaching styles, the university authorities are contemplating the integration of discussion-based, round table format education as a replacement for traditional lectures, aligning with general news about the shift in educational practices at various institutions.
