The introduction of a new student funding system in 2016 has freed up resources to invest in teaching provided at colleges and universities. The central objective here is a visible strengthening of the quality of education, with an important emphasis on "more hands in the classroom." The themes indicated by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in 2018 within which the spending of HOKa funds should fall are:
The relationship between teachers and students is crucial for good education. Therefore, it is important to further intensify the contact between student and teacher. This can be done, for example, by focusing on smaller teaching groups and community formation and by freeing up more time for personal feedback and individual guidance. To achieve this, further expansion of the number of instructors per student is necessary. Appointing more lecturers will also make it possible to link the content of education to social themes and research, increasing students' curiosity and their inquisitiveness.
It is the responsibility of universities and colleges to provide equal opportunities to all students, regardless of background, origin and prior education. Not only incidentally, when things threaten to go wrong, but also proactively and structurally. Intensive guidance and support by, for example, professionally trained tutors, student advisors, student psychologists, student deans and study career counselors are envisaged. Better guidance prevents problems and ensures optimal development of all students.
Colleges and universities respond to the different backgrounds and ambitions of students and the needs of the labor market. They do so by offering a diverse range of educational pathways at different levels. They also invest in talent programs, such as honors programs or programs in areas such as social engagement, entrepreneurship, art or sports. In addition, colleges and universities may differ in didactic educational concepts.
All students who have the capacity to do so must be given the opportunity to start and complete their studies successfully. Attention to the throughput and accessibility of education for students from secondary education and vocational schools, equal opportunities, inclusive higher education, prevention of dropout and promotion of study success remain important themes for higher education. Based on analysis of the study success of the student population, an institution may decide to focus its attention primarily on certain groups of students and/or programs and set targets for them.
It is important that the study facilities and infrastructure promote intensive and small-scale education. Digital resources may be better integrated into the educational process: students should be able to make optimal use of the educational environment, both physical and digital. Study facilities and infrastructure must match the requirements of the education of the future
Good and committed teachers are the key to high-quality education. Efforts can be made to further professionalize teachers. This includes more appreciation for the work of lecturers, for example by paying more attention to teaching performance in academic education. Instructors must also be able to keep abreast of the latest content, didactic and digital developments. Here, it helps to be allowed to share one's own teaching materials and to be able to use those of others. Lecturers should have more opportunities to develop themselves, for example -- in the case of college lecturers -- by doing their own research.
What Erasmus MC itself wants to achieve in order to improve the quality of education is also important. In consultation with the employee representatives, the faculty has therefore drawn up the Erasmus MC Quality Agenda 2020-2024 (Kwaliteitsagenda Erasmus MC 2020-2024, in Dutch).