February 2025 will see the start of the university-wide elective ‘Verkeerd Verbonden’, where students will develop the IDGs ‘courage’, ‘trust’ and ‘empathy’. We will then start implementing an Affective learning trajectory within three degree programmes at the UvA, through the Zichtbare Leerlijnen Programma (Visible Learning Trajectories Programme, ZLP). You can apply to participate via the link below. 

Affective learning enhances students' personal development. Using the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), our students develop the skills and attitudes needed to make a valuable contribution to future society. The IDGs were formulated by a Swedish NGO in collaboration with an international group of renowned researchers, experts and practitioners in the fields of leadership development and sustainability.

The overarching IDG framework consists of 23 skills and attitudes divided into five categories, including ‘complexity awareness’, ‘perseverance’ and ‘co-creation’. By addressing these aspects from the beginning of their studies, students can use these skills to develop themselves throughout their lives.

By the end of this project, we will have integrated cognitive and affective learning in 14 degree programmes, developed new teaching materials, professionalised teacher teams and established a community of practice for teachers. In addition, we are publishing a handbook for university teachers on affective learning and sharing our findings with other universities within the Netherlands and beyond.