Exiting educational vacuum by utilizing working life contacts

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of dusting traditional theory-centered teaching and learning with no connections to outer world. The educational vacuum needs to be broken to be able to offer students real-life learning experiences that generate broader competences and networks, thus making them readier for the labor market. The paper aims to encourage teachers to recognize and utilize their contacts outside university as enrichers of teaching and learning, and as contributors to working life competences of students. First, perspectives on the transition from teacher-centered classroom teaching to learning with working life integration are presented. Then, practical examples of integration are described, hoping they will be modeled, refined and applied in various learning environments.