Abstract:

Traditional learning and teaching reality at universities is often characterized by strict curricula, few possibilities for interaction among students of different disciplines and a lack of chances for self-organization and the development and realization of own ideas.

In a concerted approach with professors of the faculties of economics and engineering a concept for interdisciplinary teaching of soft skills was developed, implemented and successfully realized with growing student numbers interested in this module for the last three years.

Based on the observation that students could contribute with a lot more skills to their university education than normally asked for in a knowledge driven curriculum a number of cultural activities such as an orchestra, a theatre group and rock and pop bands were established at the university. These ensembles worked as a seed crystal for other student activities such as photography, dance, film or a capella singing. Each term students decide in a kick-off meeting, which ensembles and activities they would like to participate in during the term.

The practical activity in the individual ensembles is complemented by workshops on team aspects (team culture) and creativitiy (creative process). During the workshop the students reflect their experiences from their own ensembles and perform short exercises and activities on team building and creative processes.

In a more theoretical part they present and discuss own short scientific presentations on a topic in the field of team aspects and creativity. The whole process is embedded and culminates in a big university-wide cultural performance at the end of the term. The organization of the joint performance with the different actors and ensembles is the third pillar of this module which combines learning by doing with coaching by professors and associate lecturers.

The module is rewarded with 5 ECTS per academic year, the invested time is calculated with two weekly hours over one year. Within the different curricula at Ansbach University the module is accepted as compulsory optional subject.

The talk will give an insight into lessons learnt from these activities and questions such as the transferability of the module’s content to the students’ future job perspectives will be discussed.

Keywords:

Self organized learning, culture, team building, creative process, interdisciplinarity, coaching.