From learning to practice: A draft of access to optimize the structure of university studies taking into account specifics in arts oriented schools

Abstract

Modern approaches to teaching at universities in the Czech Republic reflect the current situation of higher education and its transition to commercial principles. Studies are more and more focused on practical skills than a mere theoretical knowledge. This paper is a summary of a study based on qualitative research among students of two public universities in the Czech Republic. Specifically, it was Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Faculty of Multimedia Communications and University of Economics in Prague, the Faculty of Informatics and Statistics. This particular study was financed from the Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University in Zlin. The study reveals the influence of structure of studies and study syllabuses on student’s ability to work independently on a real assignment or task, taking into account the specifics of study at art oriented university. The results of the qualitative research are validated by quantitative method of questioning among students. The results of the study can be used to optimize settings and study plans to increase practical skills and competences of students to collaborate with practice and teamwork. © The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology.