Gert has a professional passion for: motivation, learning strategies, soft skills and data visualization.
Gert (Phd) is a researcher with the Research Center on Lifelong Learning and Innovation (OLLI / RELLI). He also coordinates the center
As a researcher Gert has over 20 years of experience in higher education, including more than 15 years as a researcher. His earliest research interest is on students’ learning strategies an study motivation in higher education. Although, the learning process of (young) adults is still at the core of his research, his interests have expanded beyond higher education to include learning in a professional context, soft skills and sustainable professional development. While at first quantitative data visualization was instrumental for presenting substantive research insights, lately they have become a center topic themselves with his growing research-interest in data-literacy, learning analytics and data-informed policy. He has a preference for quantitative research methods and loves data analysis using the statistical open source program R.
As the coordinator of the research group he is convinced his primary role is in supporting growth. This encompasses investing opportunities for funding, writing applications for new research projects and establishing a strong network. It also includes This also includes providing opportunities for professional growth for all colleagues in his team. Gert main ambition is to develop the research group into and acknowledged expertise center on lifelong learning. He is convinced that the research groups participatory and multidisciplinary approach is instrumental for that.
Prior to working at AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Gert was employed at the university of Antwerp and the university of Brussels. In 2011 he completed his Phd in the field of Educational Sciences at the University of Antwerp. In 2000 he graduated as a master in Educational Sciences at KULeuven. He also has a teacher educators degree.