A central goal of the Enginext project is to enable more intensive, practical learning by introducing compact modules. Rather than attending a course once or twice a week for two hours, students should have the opportunity to spend an entire morning or afternoon – or even several afternoons a week – engaging with a single topic. A module could be completed in seven weeks instead of 14, for example, and could be concluded with an exam as early as the middle of the semester, while another compact module would not start until the second half of the semester. This block scheduling allows various module components, such as lectures, exercises and labs, to be integrated more closely. This means that students have to deal with fewer topics at the same time and can engage more intensively with a single topic. Additionally, the exam load is distributed more evenly.
Systematic block scheduling of modules within a degree programme is new to the TUHH and its faculty. As a faculty member, how should I proceed when converting my module into an innovative compact format? How do I design this transformation to ensure students receive engaging, pedagogically valuable learning opportunities? These two questions formed the basis of a workshop for faculty members of the four flagship degree programmes in the Enginext project. These programmes are leading the way in introducing compact modules and testing different compact formats.
During the workshop, 14 instructors analysed their existing modules with the support of Enginext project staff. Through individual work and peer discussion, they identified the strengths of their modules and areas for innovation. This approach enabled them to gain new insights into their own modules and related modules. Subsequently, various brief presentations by experts in engineering education and from the Center for Teaching and Learning on topics such as 'Active Teaching Design' and 'Options for Practical Orientation' provided the basis for discussing didactic design options for the compact modules in small groups. By the end of the workshop, the focus had shifted towards developing a vision for their own module in the compact format. This was an important first step towards further developing the modules.
Overall, the instructors gave very positive feedback: as well as gaining new insights and pedagogical ideas for their own modules, they emphasised the value of networking among instructors. Enginext offers the opportunity to develop innovative, compact formats for active teaching and practice-oriented learning, as well as the chance to integrate different modules more closely.
Over the next few weeks, the instructors will draft outlines for their revised modules. In early June, they will come together for a second innovation workshop. The goal of this workshop is to delve deeper into concrete planning. The first pilot versions of the compact modules will be launched in the winter semester of 2027/28.
