KISD
Köln International School
of Design
Technology Arts Sciences TH Köln

Modes of Teaching

In general, studies at KISD are project-oriented. Besides these projects, studies are characterized by scientific seminars which are accompanied by lectures, courses, and workshop introductions. The spectrum is completed by student work groups in which students contribute to everyday life at KISD.

At the beginning of each term a curricular calendar is published for the selection of seminars and projects. This serves as a basis for the individual combination of the study plan of each student.

Projects

There are three types of projects:

  • KP: Short-term projects (KP: two weeks)
  • MP: Mid-term projects (half term)
  • LP: Long-term projects (the whole term)

Almost every Friday there are public presentations where students present their project results. This leads to a constructive project discussion and analysis of the projects and to knowledge transfer between students. All projects are documented.

Scientific Seminars

Within every area of expertise at least one scientific seminar is offered each term. As a reflexive component these seminars form an indispensable unit in order to combine practical design-oriented projects together with these seminars. Supporting documents for a successful participation are reports as well as extensive documentations or investigations in written or in a medial form.

Lectures

The KISDlectures are characterized by their alternating focuses, speakers, and themes. International experts from different professions and designers are regularly invited to be guest lecturers. In addition to these, the so-called KISDtalks are dedicated to design theory, design research, and design history, covering the historical movements of the past, including cultural, social, and economic aspects and their effects on design.

Student Workgroups

Student work groups (WGs) are a productive supplement of the school and an integral part of studies at KISD. In these groups, students define their own team goals, and work toward achieving them in addition to working on established tasks for the group. These student work groups are indispensable for the functioning of KISD. They give students the opportunity to practice working autonomously. It is compulsory to participate in a student work group for four terms – but many students are dedicating themselves much longer to their respective »WGs«. Our student work groups: Application WG, Archive WG, Gute Stube WG, International WG, Online WG etc.

Courses

The existing academic program at KISD is complemented by a multitude of courses with different types of content. In these courses, students will train important basic skills ranging from English and documentation writing to software introductions. Tasks and learning content of these courses is also to teach students tools and important working techniques in the labs.