Educational Philosophy
At Van Hall Larenstein we focus our entire educational system around the student. Starting from their own interests and ambitions, we wish to train students towards
being competent professionals at a higher vocational level. We place particular emphasis on students developing a sense of social responsibility and lifelong learning.
Every student is able to follow an individual learning path and during the course of their studies students will learn to take increased responsibility for their own learning. In order to facilitate effective and appropriate learning, our programs follow a structured approach regarding content and level of learning. Students are encouraged to regularly go through the learning cycle: planning -> execution -> reflection -> planning enabling them to develop themselves and their abilities accordingly.
Competence based learning means that the student takes the central place in the educational system, with special attention being paid to the application of acquired competencies in a broad and varied (international) professional context. From day one of their education students come into close contact with the professional field and applied practice. Furthermore, every student has the opportunity to operate in an international context, be it during programme-specific projects, their workplacement or thesis.
Competence based learning also entails new and innovative ways of teaching and learning. Teaching staff take the role of experts, coaches or assessors, depending on the requirements of the students. Small class sizes and a relaxed working atmosphere facilitate a learning environment that is tailored towards the students' individual needs.
Teaching staff assist and support students in developing relevant competencies through a number of projects relating to applied research, practical internships, event management and symposia. Curricula are developed to cater for general higher vocational and specific domain competencies and can be divided into three levels: basic, advanced and professional. Student progress reviews are based on the relevant competence characteristics and carried out through assignments during the term and assessments at the end of each study period.
At Van Hall Larenstein we want to offer students as much freedom of choice as possible with a number of opportunities for international educational exchange and professional development. In the first two years we lay the foundation through a broad, multi-disciplinary approach of education, allowing the students to acquire relevant and appropriate knowledge in their chosen field of study. Specialisation takes place during the final two years, when students are able to choose their minor, work placement and thesis tailored towards their desired professional career.
While higher vocational bachelor programs have a clear exit level, aimed at a career in the relevant field of activity, there are always a number of students that would prefer to continue their education. Van Hall Larenstein has recently opted to undergo an administrative merger with Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), facilitating the transfer of bachelor graduates onto Masters programs. Van Hall Larenstein has developed appropriate transfer modules (within the bachelors) and sound transfer conditions enabling our students to transfer to the scientific masters of Wageningen University. Van Hall Larenstein is heavily involved in the development and provision of professionally oriented masters at the WUR programs and are looking towards development of additional advanced academic programs.