Best Practice in Higher Education
Welcome to our Best Practice portal!
Here you will find examples of course designs from colleagues across all departments at TU Hamburg. This gives you direct access to tried-and-tested teaching methods and case studies already successfully implemented in practice.
The search and filter functions take you straight to content relevant to your teaching, for example:
You are invited to share your successful teaching designs and help to disseminate proven approaches in higher education teaching.
Would you like to showcase a teaching project of your own? Do you have questions or suggestions? We welcome your feedback. Please contact: Stephanie Wichmann, Centre for Teaching and Learning.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-25 (Quantum Inspired and Quantum Optimization) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Nikolai Miklin, Özgün Kum |
| Topics | Active Learning, Peer Learning/Peer Instruction |
We incorporate peer instruction to a tutorial session for the “Computability and Complexity Theory” course to increase student participation and information retention. Most students attend tutorials to get the correct answers to study later. We make our tutorial an active learning environment and assess its performance based on students’ responses in the peer instruction.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | W-13 (Organizational Design und Collaboration Engineering) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Harold Gamero & Vivien Kleinow |
| Topics |
Through research-based learning, students explored how behavior of different stakeholders can inform decision-making within organizations. With a focus on scientific and practical perspectives, the course provided a holistic view of the entire research process.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | B-08(Metal and Composite Structures) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Mohsen Falah, Niclas Spalek |
| Topics | AI-Enhanced Teaching |
Bei der Betreuung experimenteller Arbeiten sind häufig individuelle Lösungen der (fehlenden) Datenverarbeitung zu erkennen. Dieses Projekt gibt ein Tool vor, in welchem die Studierenden nach festem Schema Messdaten eintragen und somit für sich und die Betreuung die Daten aufbereiten #Experimentelle Abschlussarbeit #Datenerfassung #KI-basierte Auswertung
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-21 (Institute for Data Science Foundations) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | All |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Adwait Datar (E-21), Uma Kulkarni (E-15) |
| Topics | Active Learning, Prerequisite learning |
This project introduces a Prerequisite Companion for the Machine Learning II course: a concise, course-integrated resource designed to strengthen students’ foundational understanding. Short conceptual notes and diagnostic quizzes help identify learning gaps, which are then addressed through a curated PDF document. Future cohorts can use this companion to improve preparedness and engagement in advanced theoretical courses.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-EXK8 (Ethics in Technology) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Prof. Dr. Maximilian Kiener & Dr. Jonas Bozenhard (E-EXK8) |
| Topics | Digital Education |
The seminar Ethics in Technology (Winter Term 2023-24), offered by the Institute for Ethics in Technology, used real-life case studies to promote critical thinking and raise awareness of the ethical aspects of technology. Students were encouraged to participate in the Digital Future Challenge, where one team secured third place.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | V-11 (Circular Resource Engineering and Management) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Mahsa Doostdar |
| Topics | Future Skills, Problem-Based Learning |
The "TUHH Goes Circular" course was analyzed to assess the effectiveness of Challenge-based Learning (CBL) in enhancing problem-solving and teamwork skills of students. A survey conducted at the end of the course revealed facilitators and obstacles in skill development.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-EXK3 (Smart Sensors) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Lucas Bublitz (E-EXK3), Nisal Hemadasa Manikku Badu (E19) |
| Topics | Problem-Based Learning |
The PBL for the lecture "Energy Efficiency in Embedded Systems" focuses on developing hardware and software concepts to make microcontrollers more energy efficient. The main project goal is to focus on student development during the semester and encourage participation from all students, even if they don't have direct access to the hardware at all times. This was successfully tackled by implementing jigsaw concept.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-EXK8 (Ethics in Technology) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Dr. Jonas Bozenhard |
| Topics | AI-Enhanced Teaching, Problem-Based Learning |
The ECIU seminar Creativity and Artificial Intelligence (Summer Term 2024) explored the creative potential and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, with students developing innovative solutions and product ideas. After the course, a student delegation presented their results at a conference at the University of Cambridge.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | W-12 (nstitute of Maritime Logistics) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Large Groups (>100) |
| Teaching Staff | Derya Kara Boztas (W-12), João Braga (W-12) |
| Topics | Active Learning, Innovative Assessment Scenarios, Project-Based Learning, Poster Presentations, YAPS |
This project aims to improve the long-term retention and practical application of project management knowledge through a constructivist approach. It addresses exam success and engagement in large classes with fluctuating attendance, using data analysis to make targeted improvements to course materials and teaching methods.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | W-EXK2 (Data-Driven Innovation) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Amanda Baum |
| Topics |
This project involves setting up a new, interactive lecture & respective seminar to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the digital health landscape, including trends, business models, and implications for the German healthcare system.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | T-03 (Technische Bildung und Hochschuldidaktik) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | No |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Axel Dürkop |
| Topics |
In the age of AI, new approaches are required to encourage students to develop critical reading and writing skills, as well as a scholarly attitude. In the “Introduction to Information Technology” course for vocational school education students, a socio-technical environment was introduced for writing blog articles, with ongoing feedback from the group and teacher.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-04 (School of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Institute of Communication Networks) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | No |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Dr.-Ing. Koojana Kuladinithi, M.Sc. Yevhenii Shudrenko |
| Topics | Blended Learning, Industry Partnerships, International Collaborations, Peer Learning/Peer Instruction |
This blended programme teaches the basics of communication technologies based on IEEE 802.15.4 standard for Industry 4.0, offering a fantastic opportunity to collaborate across cultures. The students from both bachelor’s and master’s programmes of ECIU universities can come together to explore innovative ways of learning. Rather than traditional lectures, this course embraced a coaching approach, encouraging interaction, peer learning, and active participation.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | W-03 (Innovation Marketing) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Francisco Carrillo, Charlotte Goblirsch, Viola Kopsch |
| Topics | Innovative Assessment Scenarios, AI-Enhanced Teaching |
The project was implemented in the courses B2B Marketing and Intercultural Communication and Management to improve exam preparation and provide feedback on bonus tasks. A chatbot-supported bonus task was introduced to address these issues. A baselevel evaluation of the conventional bonus task was collected through the Evasys survey in B2B Marketing, then the chatbot-supported bonus task was tested in Intercultural Communication and Management. The results show that while students felt better prepared for the exam, further adjustments are needed to better connect the task with lecture content.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-26 (Engineering Education Research) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Max Vincent Uzulis |
| Topics |
Learning happens the best when students work together to understand subject matters on their own. So called Tutorials are evidence based didactic worksheets that guide groups of 4 students through the fundamentals of hydrodynamics. This method was tested in the summer semester of 2024 in the course “Introduction to fluidmechanics”. To measure the learning gain, diagnostic pre- and post test where deployed in in 2023 and 2024.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | V-06 (Technical Biocatalysis) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | No |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Daniel Ohde, Manuel Cymbaly |
| Topics |
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-EXK7 (HUMAN-AI) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Niklas Dieckow (E-EXK7), Julius Jacobs (M-11) |
| Topics | Active Learning, Coding, Hackathons/Coding Challenges |
We compared two common formats of coding exercises – from scratch and skeleton-based – by looking at students’ task performance, as well as their self-rated degree of
comprehension and enjoyment. We found that the type of task had no significant impact on performance, but students reported improved understanding from from-scratch tasks.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | M-22 (Materials Physics and Technology) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Marine Bossert |
| Topics | Supervision |
Starting a bachelor or master thesis is full of challenges and cannot be pursued without adequate knowledge of the ethical principles in research. Such principles are still studied and develop nowadays and it is important to offer a material adapted to bachelor and master students. Relying on diverse sources, a short presentation, as-well-as an evaluation with automated grading system, was prepared.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | W-EXK1 (Resilient and Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Akin Ögrük |
| Topics |
The CBL project aims students to recognize challenges and opportunities of hydrogen use in aviation sector and guiding them to find innovative approaches to overcome these issues. Besides, they experience working in international teams and learn how to conduct an efficient teamwork.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | E-1 (Medical Technology and Intelligent Systems) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Lennart Maack (MTEC), Joel-Nikolas Suhlmann (ABT) |
| Topics | Active Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Integrative Learning |
Im Rahmen des Projektseminars „Intelligente Systeme in der Medizin“ wurden Aspekte eines Blended-Learning-Ansatzes eingeführt, der durch ein LiveLeaderboard innovativ gestaltet ist. Ziel dieser Maßnahme war es, die Motivation sowie den Lernerfolg der Studierenden über das gesamte S emester zu steigern. Die Innovation wurde evaluiert, indem die Leistung und das Engagement der Studierenden analysiert und interpretiert wurden. D ie Evaluationsergebnisse legen nahe, dass der gewählte Ansatz das Potenzial hat, Motivation und Lernerfolg nachhaltig zu fördern.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | M-09 (Advanced Ceramics) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Antoine JIMÉNEZ, Diego RIBAS GOMES |
| Topics | Challenge-Based Learning, Sustainability/SDG-Related Teaching |
This course equips students with skills to create resource-efficient, 3D-printed solutions for societal needs. Through hands-on, challenge-based learning, students explore ecological design and interdisciplinary collaboration. Impact is assessed through student feedback and real-world applicability of projects
| Language | DE |
| Institute | M-04 (Mechatronics in Mechanics) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Finn Klar (M-4), Folke Schwinning (M-4) |
| Topics | Innovative Assessment Scenarios, MATLAB |
Im Rahmen von zehn semesterbegleitenden Laboren erwerben Studierende Grundkenntnisse im Umgang sowie der Auswertung verschiedener Messprinzipien mit MATLAB. Um die Hürde für die Einsicht in die eigene Performance möglichst gering zu halten und Studierende zu motivieren, auch nach Erhalt der Note einen Lerneffekt aus unserer Evaluation ihrer Leistung zu ziehen, wurde das Prüfungsframework um eine automatische Generierung eines detaillierten Bewertungsberichts erweitert.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | B-04 (Structural Analysis) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Timon Burgwedel, Moritz Hoffmann, Sven Reinhart, Lukas Striefler |
| Topics |
In den Bachelorveranstaltungen des Bau- und Umweltingenieurwesens Baustatik I und Baustatik II wird eine Gruppenübung mit Live-Feedback über das Tool Particify in die bestehende Hörsaalübung integriert. Das Verständnis und die Reflexion des Lernfortschritts der Studierenden sollen hierdurch verbessert werden. Der Erfolg wird hierbei mittels Feedback in den Übungen und mit Hilfe der Lehrveranstaltungsevaluation bewertet.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | All |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Tim Lühnen |
| Topics | Gamification, Project-Based Learning |
Summary: Students in the GPU architecture course are solving programming tasks. To motivate students to spent additional effort to research and optimize their implementations above the minimal performance target a highscore board wasintroduced into the course. The group that submitts the fastest solution was awarded with bonus points.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-04 (School of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Institute of Communication Networks) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | No |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Timm-Giel, Dr.-Ing. Koojana Kuladinithi, M.Sc. Yevhenii Shudrenko, Frank Laue, Dr.-Ing. Aliyu Makama, M.Sc. Musab Ahmed Eltayeb Ahmed |
| Topics | Flipped Classroom, Group Assessments, Project-Based Learning |
This course enables students to understand the fundamental concepts of stochastics, discrete event simulation, and network modelling for performance evaluation. They learn to apply simulation methods to various communication network scenarios, including unfamiliar ones, and to analyse and critically interpret results. Through collaborative group work, students acquire expert knowledge, present findings, and discuss alternative solutions. They develop the ability to address new challenges in small teams, transfer acquired knowledge to novel contexts, and identify and independently bridge gaps in understanding. The course thus fosters both technical competence and research-oriented problem-solving skills in communication networks.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-04 (School of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Institute of Communication Networks) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | No |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Timm-Giel, Dr.-Ing. Koojana Kuladinithi, Dr.-Ing. Aliyu Makama, M.Sc. Musab Ahmed Eltayeb Ahmed, M.Sc. Yevhenii Shudrenko |
| Topics | Flipped Classroom, Group Assessments, Peer Learning/Peer Instruction, Poster Presentations, Problem-Based Learning |
Students understand and can explain the principles, structures, and functioning of modern communication networks, including current research developments. They can independently analyse and evaluate network performance using learned methods and apply these to new or complex systems. Working in small teams, students define and solve tasks collaboratively, present their results, and critically discuss their solutions. They are also capable of independently acquiring the expert knowledge needed to understand and assess the functionality and performance of emerging communication networks.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | W-08 (Transport Planning and Logistics) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Katharina Beck, Ineke Jäger |
| Topics | Flipped Classroom |
Beim Lehrinnovationsprojekt wurde der Flipped Classroom Ansatz im Mastermodul Mobility of Goods and Logistics Systems im SoSe24 optimiert. Die Evaluation erfolgte durch eine Lehrevaluation und die Seitenaufrufszahlen der HOOU-Webseite.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | V-05 (Multiphase Flows) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Nicolas Nickel, Noah von Schnitzler und Timo Merbach (IMS) |
| Topics | Inquiry-Based Learning, Peer Learning/Peer Instruction |
Die Lehrveranstaltung „Non-Invasive Measurement Techniques for Multiphase Flows“ wurde durch Scaffoldings, Peer-Review-Prozesse und forschendes Lernen didaktisch innoviert, um die Studierenden schrittweise zur eigenständigen wissenschaftlichen Arbeit zu befähigen.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | T-03 (Technische Bildung und Hochschuldidaktik) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Louisa Zwenger & Katrin Bock |
| Topics | Challenge-Based Learning, Innovative Assessment Scenarios, AI-Enhanced Teaching |
Der fortschreitende Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) in der Lehre stellt traditionelle Prüfungsformate und wissenscha ftliches Arbeiten vor neue Herausforderungen. Zugleich haben sich die Einstellungen der Studierenden zu Prüfungen verändert. Diese Entwicklungen erfordern eine Neugestaltung der Prüfungsformate: Welche Prüfungsformen sind mit bzw. trotz des Einsatzes textgenerierender KI überhaupt noch möglich und praktisch sowie didaktisch sinnvoll?
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-25 (Quantum Inspired and Quantum Optimization) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Niklas Rohling (E-25), Juan Manuel Henning (E-25) |
| Topics | Innovative Assessment Scenarios, Poster Presentations, AI tools |
The course “Computability and Complexity” is a mandatory theoretical computer science subject. To address the growing use of AI-generated homework solutions, the traditional graded homework system was replaced with biweekly in-person quizzes based on the regular exercise sheets. This change effectively prevented AI-assisted submissions and maintained student satisfaction, though it required substantially more tutor effort.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | V-02 (Chemical Reaction Engineering) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Hafiz Muhammad Zeeshan, Precious Otti |
| Topics |
Laser and XRD laboratory environments present inherent safety challenges due to the use of radiation and complex equipment. Thus, we conduct a practical safety workshop followed by an evaluation to assess the adherence of laboratory users to standard operating practices and safety protocols.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-25 (Quantum Inspired and Quantum Optimization) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Salwa Shaglel, Tobias Klein |
| Topics |
We perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of students’ feedback of two seminars to attract more students to future seminars and reduce the dropout rates. Intrinsic motivation and social factors have a high impact on the students participation. Balancing these factors with professional relevance are crucial to a successful seminar.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-04 (School of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Institute of Communication Networks) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | No |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Dr.-Ing. Aliyu Makama, M.Sc. Daniel Plöger, Dr.-Ing. Koojana Kuladinithi |
| Topics | Future Skills, Group Assessments, AI-Enhanced Teaching, Peer Learning/Peer Instruction |
The seminar aims to develop students’ ability to engage in scientific discussions and to use AI chatbots effectively and ethically in research. Students study and present research papers on performance improvements in communication networks, discussing their findings in a scientific context. They also participate actively in peers’ presentations by asking questions, contributing to discussions, providing critical chatbot-based reviews, and serving as session chairs. Through these activities, students gain experience in scientific communication, deepen their understanding of advanced networking topics, and learn from observing and evaluating others’ presentation and discussion methods.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | E-18 (Theoretische Elektrotechnik) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Til Hillebrecht, Avik Banerjee |
| Topics |
| Language | DE |
| Institute | M-22 (Materials Physics and Technology) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | All |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Ulrike Dette |
| Topics |
Studien-/Abschlussarbeiten stellen die Studierenden, wie auch die Betreuenden vor Herausforderungen. Benötigte Informationen mussten eigenständig aus mehreren Quellen zusammengesucht werden. Das Projekt startete mit der Erstellung eines Infopakets zum formalen Aufbau einer wissenschaftlichen Arbeit und wuchs mangels weiterer Hilfen stetig an.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | M-04 (Mechatronics in Mechanics) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Large Groups (>100) |
| Teaching Staff | Tom Liebing (M-4), Nathalie Bauschmann (M-13) |
| Topics | Innovative Assessment Scenarios |
Grundlagen der Elektrotechnik (200+ BSc-Studierende), vermittelt das praxisnahe Thema Entwurf von elektrischen Schaltungen. Bisher war die Prüfungsleistung eine Multiple-Choice Klausur. Ab diesem Semester wird stattdessen eine FFA mit eigenständig durchzuführenden Hausaufgaben durchgeführt. Untersucht wird der Lernerfolg der Studierenden.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | M-21 (Engineering Thermodynamics) |
| Level | All |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | All |
| Teaching Staff | Evgenia Makhova, Vasco Wild |
| Topics | Active Learning |
Vereinheitlichung der Hörsaalübungen und Klausuren am Institut für besseres Verständnis bei den Studierenden und verringertem Aufwand bei der Erstellung und Korrektur der Klausuren.
| Language | DE |
| Institute | M-15 (Continuum and Material Mechanics) |
| Level | Bachelor |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Medium Groups (30 to 100) |
| Teaching Staff | Maire Henke (M-15) und Philipp Schäfer (M-15) |
| Topics |
Ziel dieser Analyse ist es, zu untersuchen, wie Aufnahme von Gruppenübungen (GÜ) zusätzlich zu existierenden Hörsaalübungen (HÜ) das Bewusstsein der Studierenden für die Relevanz des Lernstoffs stärkt. Im SoSe23 war die GÜ ein freiwilliges Zusatzangebot, ab SoSe24 Teil des Lehrplans. Die Evaluation zeigt, dass dies Anwesenheit, Priorisierung der Übungsmaterialien und Wahrnehmung der Prüfungsrelevanz erhöht, was eine dauerhafte verpflichtende Integration nahelegt.
| Language | EN |
| Institute | M-14 (Structural Dynamics) |
| Level | Master |
| I³ProTeachING | Yes |
| Course Size | Small Groups (up to 30) |
| Teaching Staff | Nathanael Winter, Dynamics Group |
| Topics |
The project thesis (12 ECTS) was to be written in form of a GAMMAS paper. The project was innovated in order to motivate and engage the student in order to start working towards his research career already during his studies. The student became a passionate researcher, who will publish a research paper right after the termination of his Master’s degree.