New modular space for project-based education
A new teaching space in the centre offers a flexible environment for project-based education: not only can innovative teaching methods be tried out in the PBLabs RZ, but resources are also available on-site for inspiration, support, and advice.
PBLabs is a strategic initiative of the Rectorate that supports lecturers who want to offer project-based education (PB stands for "Project Based"). The team has now developed a purpose-built teaching space in the RZ building at Clausiusstrasse 59, which serves as an experimental area for the design of future teaching spaces.
The room is built and equipped to support different settings for group work, break-out rooms, lectures, and prototyping. For example, it can be converted from a group work room with 60 seats to a lecture hall with 120 seats.
Various settings can be set up in the new teaching room.
In addition to foldable tables with wheels, there is a projector with a large screen and options for recording events. Curtains can be used by educators to further divide the room and dampen noise. The room is open to all lecturers who wish to organise innovative project courses.
The official opening ceremony for the room took place on 7 February 2024 with numerous guests. Rector Günther Dissertori opened the event by emphasising the importance of project-based education and of rethinking ETH teaching spaces. He emphasised: "In addition to subject and method-specific competencies, project-based education also promotes social and personal competencies. Communication skills, empathy, and teamwork can transform technical knowledge into solutions. Promoting such skills is a central task of ETH Zurich." The Rector also thanked the numerous donations that made the project possible.
PBLabs RZ
The PBLabs RZ room is located in the RZ building, Clausiusstrasse 59, D floor, 8006 Zurich.
Use the external pageregistration form to request the use of the room.
PBLabs
PBLabs is a strategic initiative of the Rectorate with the aim of increasing the proportion of project-based education in ETH Zurich's curricula. PBLabs supports lecturers, educational developers, and departments who want to offer corresponding teaching formats with various offers and resources. Further information can be found at ethz.ch/pblabs.
What is project-based education?
Project-based education is a pedagogical approach that emphasises project work to promote both subject-specific and transferable skills. Examples of competences promoted are systems thinking, critical thinking, communication and teamwork (further information can be found in the ETH Competence Framework).
Students are organised into teams and work together on real-life challenges. The teaching process is geared towards students tackling complex, open questions, developing creative solutions, and implementing them. PBLabs RZ was specially designed for this interactive teaching method.
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