On Expedition – Travels Into the Unknown: A Research-based Learning Project at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterProfessional

Abstract

The Jesuit Collection of the University Library in Maastricht houses a collection of over 260.000 volumes, including several hundreds of often lavishly illustrated travel books. The international mindset of the Jesuits seems to be suitable for the international student population in Maastricht today. To explore the Jesuits’ ‘travel treasures’, the authors of this chapter initiated in 2013 the ‘On Expedition’ project within the framework of the Maastricht Research Based Learning (MaRBLe) programme and the Honours programme – in close cooperation with the University Library. The aim of this research-based learning project was to link research and teaching in such a way, that undergraduate students would be stimulated to do research themselves, preferably as independently as possible. The ‘On Expedition project’ was strongly student-centred. The students had to undertake the research themselves, not only because of didactical principles, but in this particular case also because initially the two authors did not have a very extensive knowledge about this field of research. Therefore, the ‘On Expedition project’ was a challenging adventure for both students and staff members, that would allow them to work together in a ‘community of inquiry’. This chapter presents an evaluation of the ‘On Expedition’ project with respect to student-centred learning, the creation of an academic community and societal valorisation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch-Based Learning
Subtitle of host publicationCase-studies from Maastricht University
EditorsEllen Bastiaens, Jonathan Tilburg, van, Jeroen Merriënboer, van
Place of PublicationHeidelberg
PublisherSpringer
Number of pages12
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-50993-8
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-50991-4
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Publication series

SeriesProfessional Learning and Development in Schools and Higher Education
Volume15

Keywords

  • Academic Community
  • Co-learning
  • Jesuit Library
  • Research-based learning
  • Travel literature
  • Unbdergraduate research
  • societal valorisation

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