Radical Change at a University Consistent with the Bologna Declaration: the Self-study Programme of St. Gallen

Starting in winter term 2001/2001, the University of St. Gallen introduced a radical new design for teaching and studying distinguishing three steps (Assessment, Bachelor, Master) and three pillars (contact studies, self studies and contextual studies). It is based on the assumption that e-Learning is not an end in it self, but a mean to support the ambitious aims of the self study programme. Furthermore it is meant to realise an added value in terms of pedagogy. In total, the self study programme makes up a compulsory coverage of 25% of the whole study and assessment volume. The implementation of the self study programme required the design and implementation of adaquate organisational structures and processes, including changes in the provision of IT, the introduction of tailormade support facilities and the re-design of the incentive structure. Beyond that, additional competencies on the part of relevant stakeholders were an essential part of the change process. Within a portfolio of projects, a combination of so called "light house projects" on the upper end were complemented with so called "low threshold projects". Learning within the projects (intraproject-learning) and learning between the projects (interproject-learnig) was triggered off. The current status is subjected to a rigorous quality management. There is encouraging evidence that the changes are in many parts sustainable.

25.02.2007 | Dieter EULER & Karl WILBERS (St. Gallen)