Elsbeth Spelt is defending her PhD thesis on October 26, at 11:00hrs in the Aula of Wageningen University, Generaal Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen, the Netherlands. The thesis describes an application of the constructive alignment theory of Biggs and Tang and the learning theory of Illeris to advance the current scientific understanding on teaching and learning of interdisciplinary thinking in higher education. The developed conceptual framework shows aspects of teaching and learning of interdisciplinary thinking that may need to be taken into account by teachers in higher engineering education. Further research and implications are provided to improve education on interdisciplinary thinking. The thesis is available online: http://www.my-thesis.nl/spelt.html Continue reading Elsbeth Spelt’s PhD thesis defence October 26, 11:00hrs Aula of Wageningen University

Research about complex problem solving and opportunity identification competence is published in the International Journal of Lifelong Education. Full reference: Baggen, Y., Mainert, J., Lans, T., Biemans, H.J.A., Greiff, S. & Mulder, M. (2015). Linking complex problem solving to opportunity identification competence within the context of entrepreneurship. International Journal of Lifelong Education. 34, 4, p.p. 412-429. DOI: 10.1080/02601370.2015.1060029. See: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02601370.2015.1060029

The peer review of the Wageningen School for Social Sciences resulted in excellent scores for the chair group Education and Competence Studies. For all assessment criteria, Research quality, Relevance to society and Viability, the group received the maximum score of ‘excellent’. Thanks to all who have contributed to this fantastic result!

On September 23 a series of Master Degree ceremonies were held. See impressions Continue reading Impressions of Master graduations at Wageningen University

On September 10, during the Open Business Meeting of the Vocational Education and Training NETwork (VETNET) at the European Conference of Educational Research (ECER) in Budapest, Pekka Kämäräinen was appointed as Honorary Member VETNET for his enduring commitment for the network. Again: well-deserved and congratulations! Thanks Ludger Deitmer for these pictures. Continue reading Pekka Kämäräinen appointed as Honorary Member VETNET

The keynote address Competence-based Vocational and Professional Education: A Global Overview, given at the International VET Conference on Crossing Boundaries in Vocational Education and Training: Innovative Concepts for the 21st Century, at Bremen, September 2, is uploaded on the page Downloadable papers of this website. Enjoy.