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GENERAL CONDITIONS

2.1

Recommended teaching formats in pandemic times

The University of Basel prioritizes interaction between students and teaching staff as well as discussion and exchange among students. The university likewise values good learning support and supervision for students engaged in independent study. Appropriate participation in classes should be enabled for students who cannot be present due to pandemic restrictions.

If it is not possible to teach students in classrooms, a blended learning approach is recommended. This combines joint learning in a shared physical, hybrid or virtual space (synchronous teaching) with autonomous learning, regardless of time or place (asynchronous learning phase, self-study) (see Chapter 3).


Small classes in person

Classroom teaching is possible in all cases where the number of participants does not pose a compliance issue in terms of distancing and hygiene regulations in the allocated rooms, or where classroom teaching has been expressly desired and approved by the faculty and an appropriate room could be made available (see Chapter 4.8 for a practical example).


Medium-sized and larger classes using a blended learning format

Instead of systematically teaching in hybrid classrooms, we recommend alternating synchronous and asynchronous teaching phases, potentially dividing the overall group to achieve this. Shared use of rooms in alternation (e.g. to enable phases of classroom participation for multiple groups in larger lecture halls) is supported in consultation with teaching staff and is registered using the room coordination system (see Chapter 4.7 for a practical example).


Large lectures using a flipped classroom format with group elements

Except for first semester lectures, large lectures will generally take place online. The blended learning format recommended for lectures is the “flipped classroom”: knowledge is communicated in asynchronous, guided independent study, which is followed by synchronous group sessions (in a physical, virtual or hybrid classroom) for clarifying questions, discussion, applying what has been learned and deepening understanding. Accompanying working groups or tutorials can take place in person, providing it is possible to organize appropriate rooms (see Chapter 4.6 for an example).