Bastiaan Vuyk appointed new team leader for teaching staff: ‘The impact of educators extends beyond the seminar room’
Lecturer Bastiaan Vuyk recently became team leader of the Department of Bachelor's Education for first-year undergraduate subjects and method, and statistics teaching. With colleagues, he is committed to giving lecturers the space and resources to take students further in their development.
Vuyk, together with Mischa de Rover, Melle van der Molen and Hester Ruigendijk, forms the day-to-day management of the ABO, the Department of Bachelor Education. With a team of more than 40 lecturers, the ABO provides education for 19 different Psychology Bachelor courses. ‘That's over a thousand unique students every year,’ says Vuyk. ‘Our central position allows us to connect between our departents and take the student along a consistent learning line between courses.’ Lecturers are responsible for the quality of teaching within the university, and combine that with their love of science. ‘That is something we are proud of as a department.’
Investment in society
Until recently, Vuyk was a lecturer, and briefly before that a Psychology student himself in Leiden. 'I provided various courses, both within the ABO and outside. From that role, I gained a lot of appreciation for the educators within our institute,' he says. 'That impact goes beyond just the steps students take in the study group. I am convinced that the commitment of students and teachers is an investment in our institute and society.'
Letting go of the whiteboard marker
Because of his new role, Vuyk cannot be found in the study group rooms for the time being. ‘I will certainly miss the direct contact with students, but I will strive unabated for high-quality education and good care for each other.’