From data to equal opportunities

From April 24 to 27, THUAS will focus on just and equitable coexistence. Theo Bakker, professor of Learning Technology & Analytics, will host one of the workshops that week. While justice often seems like a philosophical concept, Theo makes it concrete using hard data. His motto? “No Fairness without Awareness.” Because if you don’t know where inequality exists, you can’t solve it. 

For years, Theo has researched two main themes: how students progress through their studies and how technology impacts education. His analyses reveal where systemic discrepancies arise when it comes to equal opportunities. 

The tree and the ladder 

So what does equal opportunity really mean? To explain this, Theo often uses the metaphor of an apple tree. “If you say: ‘everyone may stand under the tree,’ that is access to education. But if the apples are too high up or not on your side, that access is meaningless.” 

Simply handing out tools isn’t enough. “If you give everyone the same ladder, the student who already had an advantage will still pick the fruit more easily. Only when you provide ladders of different lengths, treating people unequally to achieve equal outcomes, can you speak of fairness.” His data analysis shows that in as many as 90% of the programs at THUAS, issues around unequal opportunities exist. 

From binding study advice to personal learning paths 

The research focuses on specific bottlenecks. For example, a pre-university (vwo) student might pass the selection process for skin therapy more easily than a student coming from vocational education (mbo), or students without a network may struggle to find an internship. “We see a massive migration of students who drop out and then try to complete the same program elsewhere. If this happens disproportionately within certain groups, something systemic is going on.” 

According to Theo, the solution lies not only in individual support but in changing the system itself. A concrete example is the upcoming abolition of the Binding Study Advice (BSA) at THUAS as of September 1. “It will be replaced with a personal learning path recommendation. We no longer send students away but look at what aligns with their ambitions. More flexible education also helps. If you are a caregiver or must work to make ends meet, being able to follow courses at different times is crucial.” 

Involving students in the data 

Together with student Chennery Cardenas (European Studies), Theo examined whether graphs on diversity and dropout rates actually resonate with students themselves. “It turns out that personal stories are essential. You can’t just show a chart; you must first discuss how students experience their own identity and inclusion.” 

This insight is crucial because students in the University Council help make policy decisions. “The students involved are often highly engaged and ambitious. At the same time, they represent a broad and diverse student population. To make fair choices, it’s vital to also include the experiences of students who are less visible or face more barriers.” 

Workshop: start the conversation 

During the Week of Just and Equitable Coexistence, Theo and Chennery will host an interactive workshop. The goal is not merely to present information, but to test ideas and have discussions. Students, lecturers, and program managers will explore the data together. 

“You have to try to understand who is in your classroom”, Theo concludes. “If you know where the root causes lie, you can adjust your teaching and guidance. That’s the essence: ‘No Fairness without Awareness.’ You cannot act fairly if you don’t know what is happening.” 

The workshop by Theo Bakker and Chennery Cardenas will take place during the Week of just and equitable coexistence (April 24–27) at THUAS.