As early as the 1970s, the TU Darmstadt established a central working group for the qualification of student teachers, who supported courses and taught learning and working techniques to students in addition to their study program.

In 1983, the University Senate transformed this working group into the Center for Educational Development and Technology (Hochschuldidaktische Arbeitsstelle, HDA), which has since been assigned to the Vice President for Studies and Teaching.

Subsequently, the HDA expanded its areas of responsibility to include continuing education in university teaching and advising of teachers, evaluation of courses and surveys of students and graduates, as well as guidance and practical support for e-learning and educational media. These fields of work form the core services of the HDA today.

At the same time, the HDA is constantly addressing new needs at the university, building up expertise and competence in projects and passing them on as a multiplier to lecturers, students, departments and central services. Examples include innovative teaching and learning formats for interdisciplinary project weeks, for supporting international students, for student mentoring or study techniques in digital learning settings, or for introducing topics such as mental well-being and health as well as diversity in studies and teaching.

We assume joint responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning and work together with lecturers, students and administrative colleagues in a spirit of partnership, appreciation and evidence. We are constructive sparring partners and critical friends for departments, administrative and central services and for the Executive Board of Technical University of Darmstadt on issues of teaching and learning.

We see ourselves as a reliable service partner for Qualification & Continuing Education , Advising & Guidance , Networking, Exchange & Coordination , Tools & Support as well as for Evaluation & Surveys in face-to-face and virtual settings of university teaching.

We understand ourselves as a competent development partner and driving force for change and innovation in teaching and learning. We advance crosscutting issues such as Mental Well-being and Health or Diversity in Studying and Teaching.

Our teams of Digital Teaching and Learning , Evaluation , University Teaching and Key Skills address teaching staff, students, departments, central and administrative services at TU Darmstadt as well as guests.