Student - August 30, 2012

'Biggest green classroom' for VHL first years

Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in Velp wants to have the largest green classroom in the Netherlands. Three lecturers will give classes outside on the lawn behind the school building during the introduction, the last week in August.

About three hundred chairs will be set out on what was once the site of the convent, says Inge Bosma, who is coordinating the applied university's introductory days. 'Three lecturers will talk about the country estate from the perspective of their own subject. A logical choice as we do have a particularly inspiring location for our teaching.' She jokes: 'Of course we are expecting everyone to pay close attention.'
The classroom is open to the two hundred or so first years, their introduction week mentors and anyone else who is interested. The VHL lecturers are Jan van Merriënboer (Garden & Landscape Architecture), Roos van Doorn (Forest & Nature Management) and Dan Assendorp (Land & Water Management).
This will not get VHL into the Guinness Book of Records but Bosma says its main purpose is to have a fun start to the academic year. After the lectures have finished, the group will move to the bicycle sheds at the front of the building to enjoy Laarpop, the annual pop festival. This year, the festival is open to lecturers and other VHL staff as well for the first time. Bosma: 'We want to give them an enjoyable start to the academic year as well.'