Mixed learning on energy renovation

The course Energy Friendly Renovation Processes (EFRP) is unique in the sense that it mixes students and practitioners in equal numbers in the same learning environment. They work in small mixed groups on the same subject. Students who completed the course found it interesting to work on a real problem from the professional practice, while professionals, who brought up the subject from their experience, were often surprised by the innovative solutions that students came up with.

In an introductory video, assistant-professor Eefje Stutvoet (MSc) explained that the course deals with different themes over the course of seven weeks. They range from the urgency of energy-saving via the resident’s perspective to financing. Students have face-to-face feedback on a weekly basis with one of the lecturers. Halfway through the course, students and professionals, who until then have worked together over the Internet, will have a meet and greet.

During the last of the ten weeks that the course stretches over, professionals and students will join the staff in a virtual roundtable discussion called a webinar. Other participants can watch the meeting and join in by sending questions.

The mixed-audience course is an initiative of Professor Anke van Hal who teaches sustainable housing transformation at the BK faculty. She found that energy-saving housing and neighbourhood transformations often fail to satisfy all parties involved. According to Van Hal, this is due to incorrect processes and their application, rather than technical or financial aspects. Since the living environment is an emotionally charged topic, understanding of the behaviour and needs of residents and a cooperative attitude within in the dynamics of the modern-day development team, is vital for successful completion of energy renovation projects.

The next course starts on February 1st, 2016.