APPLICABLE KNOWLEDGE; COMBINING THEORY AND PRACTICE
The quickest way to learn is through extensively applying theory in practice. Hence, the Autumn Challenge will walk you through various workshops enabling you to discover the latest insights. The topic of this specific workshop will be made available soon, as well as additional information on the lecturer and possible preparations for the workshop.
For the Autumn Challenge programme, we will use the Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) approach as an educational framework. A unique aspect of CBL is that it is about recognising challenges and finding opportunities which are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. CBL is based on three premises, the challenges (problems) are: open-ended, have multiple solutions and have no single one right answer. A core principle of CBL is collaboration, this does not have to be in the traditional way, whereby you work together from start to end with other students but the best possible outcome of a challenge can only be found through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Using CBL means that you have to take the initiative, as well as control over your own learning process. The educators are always available, but they will try to encourage you to first think for yourselves. Nevertheless, they join and safeguard you on a journey to determine the potential impact of the challenge you will be working on.
In this workshop, you will learn about:
- The CBL approach in general
- Students role in CBL
- The importance of writing (and answering) essential questions
- How to define a challenge in such a way that it could contribute a little to its solution
Assignment during the workshop
The goal of this assignment is to get the first rough draft ready of defining the challenge (an actionable challenge). The definition of a valid and actionable challenge is an essential part of the process. It is probably the most challenging part of the whole process. A good challenge definition leads to good guiding questions, which will lead to clarity and focus of the rest of the process.
Task
- Each group member first describes for herself or himself the circle of possibilities based on your own challenge
- Then you will draw up at least 20 essential questions (EQ) to understand the scope of the challenge.
Deliverable
We discuss the outcome per group during the workshop. Nevertheless, if you like, you can submit a challenge proposal, so I can provide feedback which gives you evidence of the current progress so you can actively manage and adjust the process. This proposal will not be graded.