Self-Directed Learning Approaches for STEM Students

Promoting self-directed learning skills among students in STEM disciplines is the focus of a joint transfer project for which Mainz University of Applied Sciences and Bingen University of Applied Sciences have received a total grant of 220,000 euros from the Carl Zeiss Foundation Kolleg. The funding period is 24 months, with the project set to begin on January 1, 2019. As part of the transfer project “KOSEKO – Cooperation on Self-Learning Skills,” the two universities plan to offer joint workshops on self-learning during the introductory phase of studies at an off-campus learning location for STEM students. The workshops will take place over several weekends and will focus on topics such as time management, learning methods, communication training, and stress management. The two universities will be supported in this effort by the Self-Learning Center at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern. “Since many universities are working on approaches to increase academic success, particularly in the so-called STEM disciplines, effective project concepts and solutions should be made available to as many universities in Rhineland-Palatinate as possible. For this reason, the Carl Zeiss Foundation College has made it its central mission to transfer projects or measures identified as best practices at universities in Rhineland-Palatinate to other disciplines and institutions and to promote subject-specific networking among projects,” said Professor Dr. Gerhard Muth, chair of the college’s steering committee. The Carl Zeiss Foundation College was established in Rhineland-Palatinate by the Ministry of Science, Continuing Education, and Culture in collaboration with the Higher Education Evaluation Association South-West e.V. and is funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. The college aims to initiate measures at universities in Rhineland-Palatinate that contribute to the attractiveness and quality of degree programs in the STEM disciplines.