Innovative learning arrangements
In this line of research, we examine the characteristics of real-world issues; the learning environment; roles and student learning activities, teachers and professionals; and (on-line/on-site) learning and problem-solving support. We turn the insights gained into evidence-informed (design) guidelines that can be used immediately to further improve education.
Key themes of our research:
In the Innovative Learning Arrangements line of research, we investigate how study programmes can effectively integrate genuine social issues into their education, with the aim of optimising collaboration between educational institutions and society and contributing to solutions that resolve these issues.
In this research track we investigate how the learning environment can be designed around real-world issues to optimise the involvement of students and others, such as professionals. Special attention is paid to the synergy between the physical and digital learning environment.
In this research track, we investigate how the roles and activities of students, teachers and professionals can be organised so that they can learn effectively from and with each other. Specific attention is paid to promoting equality between the various target groups.
Projects
As part of the Comenius-funded TALENTS project (2020-2024), we supervised and conducted research into how learning environments centred on real-world issues can be designed, focusing on the development of students, lecturers and professionals.
Based on literature, design experiences and research results, we develop design principles and tools that help design and implement authentic learning environments.
In the CONNECTS project, we are researching how scientists, engineers, public authorities, businesses and citizens can collaborate and learn together in a meaningful way in addressing major societal challenges.
Fostering fruitful cooperation between these groups is a challenge, due to the different backgrounds, interests and conflicting perspectives. As part of a consortium of 11 partners, led by Saxion and the University of Twente, we are investigating how higher education can play a key role in this cooperation and as well as developing design principles for transdisciplinary education.
The project is called CONNECTS, which stands for CONstructing New Educational Configurations for Transforming Society.
We put together a toolbox with a range of tools developed by universities and applied universities, that lecturers can use to help students engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and/or coexistence, in line with the critical skills outlined by Boix-Mansilla et al. (2010, 2016). If you are interested, please email us at [email protected].