SaG – Study of Adapted Speed

Studying at an adapted speed is interesting for anyone who has the feeling that they are missing important basics, for example because it has been a few years since they graduated from school, they are not entirely confident in the German language or are starting their studies with professional qualifications, for example. Studying at an appropriate pace can be relevant for anyone who wants to take time for personal development, support and deepening.

The universities of Fulda (Start smart) and Darmstadt (The best start to studies for everyone) as well as the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (GettING started) have already developed various implementation concepts for a SaG in a joint model project. As part of the QuiS funding period, these concepts will be sustainably anchored and rolled out. Building on the previous experiences and measures of the model project, the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences (Time4ING) and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (focus!ing) are developing and testing corresponding pilot projects for selected departments.

Elements of the study of adjusted speed

Competency analysis

Right at the start of their studies, all first-year students in the respective course are asked to take part in a subject-specific skills analysis. This is largely digitally supported and tests, on the one hand, the respective competencies in the basic subjects of the respective degree programs and, on the other hand, the self-assessment of one's own study motivation and self-efficacy. Based on the results, a possible change to the “study program variant” is discussed with the participants in personal reflection and consultation sessions.

Professional support

For participants in the course variant, there are various additional offers (mostly compulsory) within an intensively supervised learning group to equalize the level of knowledge and skills. These include, for example, support courses in the basic subjects, additional internships and laboratory activities, revision courses, exam preparation courses, open consultation hours and learning periods as well as project work to promote early identification with the subject of study. In addition to the face-to-face events, there are e-learning offers and online courses on the basic subjects.

+2 semesters of BAföG

By taking part in the course variant, the introductory phase of the course is extended by two semesters.

If you are eligible for BAföG funding, this also applies to the additional two semesters.

Organizational support

In addition to technical support, the SaG offers a wide range of organizational support. The project team supports all participants intensively in the initial phase and supports individual course planning. Personal mentors promote the socialization of participants at the university. And in the “group mentoring” setting, the focus is on diversity among each other and the role of the individual in the diverse student body.

The aim of further measures is to strengthen skills that go beyond the technical and to prepare people for self-organized learning. Project management, learning methods, self-organization, time management and teamwork skills are trained in small groups. Additional courses and workshops aim to impart transferable skills. Excursions and internships serve to explore the professional field. The learning and reflection process is also supported by scenarios of digitally supported teaching and learning.

Implementation at the network universities

Course variant “GettING Started” , Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen

Time4ING , RheinMain University of Applied Sciences

START SMART , Fulda University

The best start to studies for everyone , Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Course variant “focus!ng” , Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences