Patrick Stastra, teacher of the course Project Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis, shares his innovative approach to teaching through differentiated instruction and interactive methods. He adapts his lessons to fit each student’s unique learning style.

Using the VARK model—Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic—Patrick creates engaging and interactive classes. His sessions start with a reflection on previous lessons, followed by theory discussions, plenary activities, and hands-on group work. This approach not only enhances understanding, but also makes learning more enjoyable:

In this video, he encourages other lecturers to experiment with workshop-style classes to make their classes more dynamic and student-centered. He suggests starting with simple, focused activities and using student feedback to improve.

Patrick’s teaching philosophy aligns with the Active Learning “Build, Act, and Assess” pyramid of Constructive Alignment:

Build: By reflecting on previous lessons and connecting them to new topics, Patrick helps students build a strong foundation of knowledge.
Act: Through plenary discussions, interactive assignments, and group work, students actively engage with the material, applying what they have learned in practical settings.
Assess: Patrick continuously evaluates the effectiveness of his methods through student feedback and reflection, ensuring that his teaching strategies meet the evolving needs of his students.