Inspiring a journey of discovery
A very special kind of course catalogue has just been released. The first ever Critical Thinking annual programme presents ETH (teaching) events that focus on cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills.
Mail for students and professors of ETH Zurich: Over the coming days they will receive the first annual programme on critical thinking. This annual programme lists lectures, courses and student initiatives that foster skills in this area. “We want to encourage students to look beyond the boundaries of their own field,” says Prorector Andreas Vaterlaus. “The brochure is designed to tempt readers to browse through unfamiliar subjects. Even lecturers will find things that might inspire them to include more critical thinking in their lectures,” adds Anita Buchli, a member of the Rector’s staff. Both were responsible for managing the project.
The term “critical thinking” refers to cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills that the ETH hopes to promote Analysis and reflection are at its core, but it also includes the ability to argue skilfully, form your own opinion, communicate your position and act in a responsible manner in general.
More dialogue and responsibility
“ETH graduates should be well prepared for the complex issues they will encounter in their professional lives and in society as a whole. Critical thinking involves key skills that go beyond expertise in a particular subject,” explains ETH President Lino Guzzella, who provided the initial impetus for the critical thinking initiative. During the first stage of the project, ETH lecturers consulted with industry representatives to compile a list of the necessary key skills. On the basis of this research, ETH then led a workshop with around 80 lecturers, students and administrative staff to discuss how previous approaches could be better integrated into everyday student life and to develop new ideas.
The annual programme combines well-established events that have been continually refined over the years with new additions from the departments, student and assistant associations, or think tanks such as the Collegium Helveticum. It includes testimonials from lecturers and students that provide an insight into their experiences, as well as project and field work, interdisciplinary summer schools, and even new, lesser-known event formats.
From teaching in the blended learning or flipped classroom models, to other teaching approaches that encourage a more critical engagement with the course content, the aim is always to create more space for dialogue and allow the students to take on more initiative and responsibility. It’s an approach that ETH Rector Sarah Springman wholeheartedly supports. “Active student participation fosters analytical and reflective skills, as well as creative and critical thinking,” says Springman. And as a lecturer, she is well aware of how fascinating and satisfying a lively dialogue between teachers and students can be.
Critical Thinking annual programme
ETH Zurich students and professors will receive the annual programme by mail. Copies can also be ordered from the ETH Mailing Department: . A PDF version of the brochure can be downloaded from the internet.