En route for Bologna 2.0: conference gives research-based stimulus for reform

Scientific analyses and empirical knowledge have not been at the forefront of discussions about Bologna reforms. This gap will be closed by a conference organised by the CHE and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research. Entitled “The Bologna process from the viewpoint of higher education research – analyses and impulses”, current research results about the process that has been running for 10 years now will be presented at the conference on December 13 and 14, 2010, and linked to practice-relevant questions. The aim of the event is to draw conclusions to shape an advanced "Bologna 2.0“ process

There are many opinions about the Bologna reform. Conferences have to date focussed more on the various existing positions. Scientific analyses and empirical knowledge have not been at the forefront of discussions. This gap will be closed by a conference organised by the CHE and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research. Entitled “The Bologna process from the viewpoint of higher education research – analyses and impulses”, current research results about the process that has been running for 10 years now will be presented at the conference on December 13 and 14, 2010, and linked to practice-relevant questions. The aim of the event is to draw conclusions to shape an advanced ”Bologna 2.0“ process. The conference will be stage-managed in such a way as to enable participants to play an active role in the event. This will strengthen the link between Bologna research and Bologna practice while the conference is aimed at both target groups equally.

The integration of an international perspective is of major importance in considering and further developing the bachelor’s and master’s study programmes in Germany. The conference will therefore start with an overview of the latest situation in Australia and the 46 Bologna states as well as an assessment of how the Bologna reform has been implemented in Germany compared to the other countries. National research results and practice impulses will then be introduced and discussed. Academics from universities and research institutions will be giving current findings on the following issues, among others:

• New forms of action to integrate students into study reform
• Effects of the Bologna reform on subject groups based on student evaluations
• Employability and lifelong learning
• Institutional framework conditions for good teaching and learning
• Factors contributing to successful studies
• Development of teaching skills
• Quality assurance and steering of good teaching

Those researching and those involved with Bologna in practice will be taking part in a roundtable discussion at the end of the conference. This discussion will not follow the usual pattern but will be focussed on suggestions from participants for the further development of the bachelor’s/master’s study reform. These suggestions will be selected and evaluated during the event and then integrated into the closing discussion, which also enables the conference participants to contribute actively with their viewpoints.