Patrick Bijsmans

Patrick Bijsmans is an Associate Professor in Teaching & Learning European Studies and serves as Associate Dean for Education at Maastricht University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS). He is also an Ex-Officio Committee Member at UACES (University Association for Contemporary European Studies). His academic career is deeply rooted in European Studies with a focus on both research and pedagogical innovation.

Bijsmans' research primarily centers on European Studies, with specific expertise in Media & Euroscepticism. His work examines how Euroscepticism has become mainstreamed in political discourse, particularly through media coverage of European Parliament elections. He has developed a nuanced fourfold typology distinguishing between supportive, Euroalternative, soft Eurosceptic, and hard Eurosceptic claims, contributing significantly to our understanding of European integration debates. Beyond Euroscepticism, his research extends to teaching and learning methodologies, especially Problem-Based Learning (PBL), curriculum design, and the international classroom experience.

His scholarly output demonstrates a clear trend toward bridging theoretical European Studies with practical educational applications. Many of his recent publications examine how teaching methods can enhance understanding of complex European integration processes. His research shows consistent engagement with both the evolving European political landscape and innovative pedagogical approaches, often connecting these two domains to create more effective learning experiences for students of European Studies.

Bijsmans actively contributes to academic discourse through various teaching and learning initiatives. He has coordinated staff professional development programs, organized workshops on problem-based learning, and engaged in transnational collaborations, including an Erasmus+ mobility grant at the University of Leeds where he studied their 'Curriculum Redefined' program. His commitment to educational innovation is evident in his exploration of games, podcasts, and other active learning techniques to enhance student engagement in PBL environments.

His work with students primarily involves teaching BA and MA level courses in European Studies, where he has implemented various innovative teaching methods. Bijsmans has conducted research on attendance patterns and writing assignments in PBL courses, demonstrating how collaborative learning through class discussion of student work enhances academic performance. He has also investigated international classroom dynamics, examining how diverse student backgrounds impact learning outcomes.

Within the academic community, Bijsmans is recognized for his contributions to educational development. His work on teaching assistants and the 'Recognition & Rewards' framework has sparked important conversations about valuing different academic career paths. He has been instrumental in fostering exchange between institutions, advocating for the benefits of visiting other universities to share best practices in teaching and learning.