Research-Informed Teaching and Assessment in European Studies

The literature on teaching and learning European Studies indicates that this research field lends itself to pedagogical innovations, particularly revolving around problem-based teaching and simulations. This chapter contributes to that pedagogical literature by reflecting on a research-based teaching methodology as applied in an undergraduate module at a UK university. As such, this chapter challenges the idea that innovative methodologies, such as problem-based learning, should be adopted in the name of student-centred learning. Instead, the chapter argues that a more balanced (hybrid) approach is more appropriate in the majority of the institutional contexts, in which traditional lectures should continue to coexist with student-led work. In the second part, the chapter discusses assessment, focusing on essays and simulations.