Summarized evaluation of optimizing workload by implementing an ECTS-barometer

Abstract

This paper summarizes the introduction of a method for optimizing students' workload by means of a so called ECTS-barometer. This barometer was developed on the basis of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System in order to capture learning activities of students on a weekly basis. The main principles of this barometer are presented on an example of a complex study course in the field of Mechatronics. It is shown how the implementation of the barometer can lead to improvement in terms of allocating assignments as well as course units as to avoid overloads. Furthermore, it shows the discrepancy of workload between full-time and part-time study programmes.