The valuable components of the Honours Programme that should be integrated into standard curricula

Abstract

This article concerns a critical review of four years of the honours programme at Viaa. The honours programme at Viaa is consistent with the university’s vision on teaching and learning, summarized as ‘Meaningful Encoutering’. This research focuses on the added value of the honours programme for the student, teacher, and the university. The chosen research method, journalling, fosters students and teachers to creatively express their engagement in the honours programme.

This research shows that participating in the honours programme helps teachers to gain insights in different forms of learning. Coaching questions and supporting community building contribute to this. It is also valuable to guide the process over time by asking coaching questions and supporting community building. They also indicate that participation provides insights into potential educational innovations within regular education, such as (1) more room for students' own input during lessons, (2) spending more time together while being involved in minors, (3) co-teaching, and (4) ensuring more bonding in small groups.