Teaching and Learning Conference “Values in Higher Education” at RPTU: Over 100 faculty members from all over Germany gathered in Kaiserslautern
How do values take concrete effect in academic study and teaching beyond mission statements and buzzwords? The teaching and learning conference “Values in Higher Education” at RPTU addressed this question. More than 100 university faculty members, higher education pedagogues, students, and higher education development professionals gathered at the Kaiserslautern campus to exchange experiences, learn about new teaching formats, and gain inspiration for their own teaching practices.
The conference was opened by Prof. Dr. Mandy Schiefner-Rohs, Vice President for Teaching at RPTU, and Prof. Dr. Hannes Saas, Assistant Professor of Vocational Education at RPTU and Director of the Akademie Ausgezeichnete Hochschullehre e. V. In their introductory remarks, both emphasized that values in higher education cannot be “taught” in the same way as subject matter, but rather are reflected in the day-to-day reality of teaching—where decisions are made: in exams, feedback, student support, collaboration, or when addressing current challenges such as generative AI, pressure to perform, and diversity. The conference provided a space where faculty members could pause, shift perspectives, and work together on how to put values-oriented teaching into practice.
Another highlight was the presentation of the nationally renowned 2025 Ars legendi Prize (Stifterverband) to Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Theisohn (Karlsruhe University of Music) for her outstanding commitment to democracy education in higher education. In a subsequent keynote address, she provided insights into her teaching practice and demonstrated how a democratic university culture can be experienced through participation and responsibility in everyday academic life.
A central element of the program was the “Walk of Values,” an interactive gallery walk featuring over 20 stations: RPTU institutions and projects, as well as external partners, presented best practices and invited participants to engage in conversation “on the move.” In nine parallel workshops, participants then explored different perspectives on values in higher education—ranging from democratic learning spaces and ethical reflection to values education and attitudes, as well as issues of responsible digital literacy and participation. The event concluded with an artistic performance by the RPTU theater group, which drew on key impressions from the day and served as a catalyst for collective reflection in the plenary session. Participants continued their discussions during an informal wrap-up in the foyer.
The Teaching and Learning Conference was organized by the Akademie Ausgezeichnete Hochschullehre e. V. in cooperation with RPTU and is part of the networking efforts to further develop and highlight excellent higher education teaching.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Hannes Saas
RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau
Akademie Ausgezeichnete Hochschullehre e. V.