EHL Course Catalogue 2011-2012 - Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne

Philosophy of Learning
� A social process
While learning is essentially an autonomous process that is self-regulated, it is important to
recognise that no learning process is purely individual. As well as learning by observation or by
coaching, which has a significant social dimension, group learning also has an essential role to play.
When resolving a problem or studying a case in a working group, learners are necessarily obliged to
compare their respective ideas and hypotheses with those of others. This results in a far deeper
reappraisal than at the individual level.
Systematic training in cooperative group learning also develops essential social and interpersonal
skills.
� Art and science in hospitality education
Hospitality is different from other professional fields and hospitality management is different from
management in other areas. It calls for a wide range of competencies and unusual qualities.
� Hospitality know-how: direct from the industry
EHL was founded by the industry, for the industry. What is studied at EHL, and the way it is studied,
has always been closely linked to industry needs; hotel management courses are regularly updated
to correspond to new trends and needs.
� Theory and practice: the hospitality mix
EHL has always been known for its mix of theory and practice. But students do not just learn theory
and then apply it in practice. Often it's the other way round. Hotel education is different because it
means that students first learn through doing. Then they gradually construct a sound theoretical
framework through reading, research and the reflective process of the classroom.
� Leadership
EHL‟s mission is to form the future leaders of the hospitality industry. But you can lead only if you
can convince others that you are making the right decisions. Decisions that look right on paper won't
work if your team is not motivated to implement them - especially in the hospitality industry where
teamwork is even more essential than in other industries. Persuading other people and bringing
them on board is essential to hospitality leadership.
� Teamwork in hospitality
Teamwork is important in itself and is also the best way to develop the specific leadership qualities
needed for the hospitality industry. At EHL, we are so convinced of the value of group work that
student teams are coached and guided in how to work successfully together. Coaching will help you
learn to listen to others – and also to be attentive to what they are not saying. You will see when
teams work and when they do not.
� Learning the hospitality way
At EHL, we emphasize the importance of learning how to learn. Students are helped to evaluate what
they are learning with a critical eye, to know when and where to seek additional information, to adapt
their knowledge to different circumstances and to supplement it with multiple sources that can
provide insight for wise decisions.