The answer is project-studies! : Learning integration with research and development projects

Abstract

Research and development (R&D) projects offer a unique study platform for students in higher education. At their best, higher education studies can be implemented in projects in a way that combines practice-oriented tasks and scientific approaches to provide students real working life experiences. This article introduces student-centred approaches, especially the pedagogical action model, Learning by Developing (LbD), in project´s learning environments in higher education. The pedagogical action model integrates learning in higher education with R&D projects in collaboration with teachers, project members and work-life representatives. In addition, it highlights students as active learners who develop skills in authentic projects and apply their knowledge in logical, intuitive and creative ways. The beginning of this article presents background perspectives on the integration of learning and projects and pragmatic frameworks behind project studies. It continues to view few similar pedagogical practices in R&D projects for higher education before describing the LbD-action model. Furthermore, this article introduces case example of experiences in learning integration with R&D projects. It includes a reflection on the challenges and possibilities of combining R&D projects with higher education.