Photo: Guy Ackermans
The Student Alliance Wageningen (SAW) received 166 reports from students who had actually taken evening classes during the pilot. All but seven reported negative experiences, says SAW in the report. Students’ chief complaint was of having to choose between evening classes and other activities such as sport, lectures, or activities at study associations or student societies. They also complained of poor concentration after a – sometimes long – day on campus. Two teachers reported that not many students attended the evening lectures and that there was a difference in their concentration compared with daytime lectures.
According to SAW, their study shows that the evening classes interfere with student life and students’ broad development. ‘SAW’s view is that students should not be forced to choose between their studies and their extracurricular activities.’ A student’s broad development is part of the student experience, according to SAW. The student union says the university should shoulder its responsibilities in this regard.
SAW handed the report to education director Tiny van Boekel on 26 January. Van Boekel declines to comment at this stage. The university is evaluating the pilot at the moment too. Its results are expected in mid-February. ‘I don’t want to jump the gun.’