File(s) under permanent embargo
Bridging the Gap between Aims and Objectives for Business Clients and Academic Course Planners in 'Linked' Learning Projects
conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 06:42 authored by Loy, J, Ancher, SCreating learning experiences for students in higher education that have a basis in real world practice provide the opportunity for ‘significant’ learning. In addition ‘linked’ learning projects help business partners to understand the graduate attributes that are being developed on university courses and provide an opportunity to influence that development. Innovative practice, fostered in the safety of a learning environment, can emerge through positive collaboration between real world clients and university teams and there is the added benefit of contributing to professional development for academics in maintaining currency. This research reviews the characteristics of a range of ‘linked’ learning from knowledge based, restrictive and didactic learning projects to deep learning, participatory action research projects based on current teaching and learning theory and describes the aims, outcomes and challenges for lecturers and clients in each case. Specific examples of ‘linked’ learning projects are discussed in relation to the students, the academics and the business clients and the outcomes evaluated in terms of meeting expectations, quality of the learning experience (in line with current theory) and management issues. Conflicting aims and objectives are highlighted and recommendations for bridging potential gaps between the partners’ understanding and expectations are suggested. These provide starting points for an understanding of the drivers for learning for projects that will potentially reduce disappointment for clients and students and stressful organisational difficulties for lecturers. The aim is to contribute to positive, deep learning experiences that enhance the collaborative relationship between business and university partners.
History
Publication title
Proceedings of E&PDE 2011, the 13th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design EducationEditors
A Kovacevic, W Ion, C McMahon, L Buck and P HogarthPagination
64-70ISBN
9781904670346Department/School
School of Architecture and DesignPublisher
The Design Society, Institution of Engineering DesignersPlace of publication
GlasgowEvent title
13th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design EducationEvent Venue
City University London, UKDate of Event (Start Date)
2011-09-08Date of Event (End Date)
2011-09-09Rights statement
Copyright 2011 The Institution of Engineering Designers, The Design SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted