Successful STARS EU conference on the development of teaching and learning at HSB

The conference focused on networking and knowledge exchange among the STARS-EU partner universities. Current research findings on developments, initiatives, and challenges related to the strategic positioning of universities in the field of teaching and learning were discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the necessity of creating a supportive learning environment, supporting faculty in the implementation of innovative teaching methods, strengthening student support, as well as optimizing regional exchange and effectiveness. In addition to practical experiences, a research-based dialogue was shown to significantly contribute to the strategic advancement of universities, as became clear during the discussions.

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZLL) at HSB made several contributions and played a key role in shaping the discussions: 

• Framing the Future: A Comparative Review of Strategy Papers from German, Swedish, and Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences | Dr Johanna Brauns, Andrea Broens (Bremen University of Applied Sciences) – Colleagues presented initial findings from the document analysis of the HSB internal university research project SLW@HAW.
   
• Navigating Change within Universities: Examination of the STARS EU Project's Impact | Dr Alexandra Hashem-Wangler (Bremen University of Applied Sciences) – Highlighted institutional change within the meta-organisation STARS EU.
   
• Higher Education Research Revised: The Case for Doctoral Awarding Rights in German Universities of Applied Sciences | Jessica Langolf (Bremen University of Applied Sciences) – drew attention to the paradigm shift in the German higher education system: the doctoral awarding rights of universities of applied sciences. She then presented her initial research outline for discussion.
   
• Continuing Education: An Approach for a systematic literature review | Prof. Dr. Annika Maschwitz (Bremen University of Applied Sciences) - As an expert in continuing education, she pointed out current challenges and provided impetus for developments in this area.

International guests from the STARS EU partner universities Silesian University in Opava (Czechia), University West (Sweden) and Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) also made exciting and informative contributions on relevant topics.