Optimizing Student-Driven Learning (SdL) through a Framework Designed for Tailoring Personal Student Paths

Abstract

Our ever-changing and developing society constantly requires professions that did not exist 20 years ago. Students have to become professionals capable of steering their own career development and controlling their own learning process, at university and in their future profession. In order to reach these goals, lecturers have to understand the different needs of students in terms of knowledge and interests. This research offers a framework to help students deal with possible knowledge gaps and account for personal interests to match defined learning goals, utilizing the author’s master’s course in design for maintenance operations (DfMO) at the University of Twente as a basis for validation. First, a literature review was conducted on successful modern techniques of student-driven learning (SdL) to identify the best practices to use and possible pitfalls to avoid. Second, an analysis of the target group was carried out. Third, the research identified the most effective way to create such a tool (framework), taking into account the possible entry points of students. In particular, the research tried to understand to what extent it is possible and valuable to offer a student-driven approach. Finally, the tool was evaluated by representatives of the target group.