Staff exchange at Flinders University (Mike Hänsel&Veronika Satlow, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden) - a report

Since 2015, Flinders University and the Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden have enjoyed a close relationship and exchange programmes at research, staff and student levels, in particular within the In2D network http://www.in2d.net/.

The aim of our trip was on the one hand, to expand the already existing exchange programme for students and to integrate the students of both universities into joint research projects. On the other hand, the focus was on developing scientific projects in teaching; in particular, we wanted to gain insight into the "longitudinal academic programme" and the implementation of the “progress test” at the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University. Observations and analyzes may provide starting points for joint scientific monitoring and evaluation research. Particularly suitable for this here at our Faculty seem to be the longitudinal curricula which are currently developed, e.g. the "science skills" as well as the latest standard procedures for exam execution.

Watching jumping kangaroos and dozing koalas, we have some new ideas in mind how to bring teaching forward; however, without neglecting to consider where the effort is worthwhile.

In any case, we hope that both students and scientists benefit from the cooperation with Flinders University through this and upcoming exchanges; because to look outside the box and to get new impulses help immensely to look at one's own tasks from a different perspective and to (re-) evaluate one's own priorities.