In the blog, we will discuss a project that aims to modernize the educational system in Latin American educational institutions to prepare students for professional life, as well as students’ attitudes towards this study model. (The HEIComp project puts Laurea’s LbD expertise into practice in Latin America. 2023. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.laurea.fi/en/current-topics/news/the-heicomp-project-puts-laureas-lbd-expertise-into-practice-in-latin-america/)
We will talk about the Learning by Developing (LbD) study model, developed at the Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Students studying under the LbD model work on real projects related to work activities as part of their education. Laurea University of Applied Sciences has created and integrated this pedagogical model into the educational process for many years. The implemented model focuses on connecting education with key work competencies. ( Marstio, Tuija; Ranta, Liisa; Jussila, Annukka; Tapojärvi, Anna-Maija. 2023. Pohdintoja Laurean pedagogisen toimintamallin kehityksestä. Description. Article from Theseus Source. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/816011).
Projects geared towards work life needs integrate students’ developmental and educational tasks, making them active participants in the educational process. Students become key participants alongside teachers, using their knowledge to create new work methods, operational models, and interpret current work situations. ( Marstio, Tuija; Ranta, Liisa; Jussila, Annukka; Tapojärvi, Anna-Maija. 2023. Pohdintoja Laurean pedagogisen toimintamallin kehityksestä. Description. Article from Theseus Source. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/816011).
The development of LbD took place in three stages from 2000 to 2023. The first stage involved implementing the model in various authentic development environments. Digital solutions were used in the second stage, significantly increasing regional collaboration. A crucial step in the third stage was integrating research into the LbD model, making it a systematically managed pedagogical brand. The model is supported by a System of Key Partnerships aimed at expanding collaboration with companies. (Marstio, Tuija; Ranta, Liisa; Jussila, Annukka; Tapojärvi, Anna-Maija. 2023. Pohdintoja Laurean pedagogisen toimintamallin kehityksestä. Description. Article from Theseus Source. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/816011).
The LbD model has evolved over decades thanks to the spread of online learning and the use of technology in educational projects. Social networking services stimulate collective learning and creativity. Virtual meetings and free tools contribute to collaborative project development and management. ( Marstio, Tuija; Ranta, Liisa; Jussila, Annukka; Tapojärvi, Anna-Maija. 2023. Pohdintoja Laurean pedagogisen toimintamallin kehityksestä, 6. Article from Theseus Source. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/816011).
In early 2023, the HEIComp project was launched by Laurea University, aimed at enhancing higher education in Brazil and Paraguay to better meet labor market needs and provide students with employment opportunities. (The HEIComp project puts Laurea’s LbD expertise into practice in Latin America. 2023. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.laurea.fi/en/current-topics/news/the-heicomp-project-puts-laureas-lbd-expertise-into-practice-in-latin-america/)
Five higher education institutions in Brazil and Paraguay, along with a Brazilian company specializing in internationalizing higher education institutions, are actively involved in the project. The HEIComp project aims to create a student-oriented study model that integrates education with practical tasks using Laurea’s recognized approach – the Learning by Developing (LbD) model. (The HEIComp project puts Laurea’s LbD expertise into practice in Latin America. 2023. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.laurea.fi/en/current-topics/news/the-heicomp-project-puts-laureas-lbd-expertise-into-practice-in-latin-america/. The project is funded by the Erasmus+ capacity-building program and includes partner institutions from Portugal and Romania. (HEIComp.2023. What is the Erasmus+ Capacity Building program? Accessed 18 March 2024. https://heicomp.com/sobre/)
The Erasmus+ cycle, structured around five key activities, includes individual mobility, collaboration between organizations, policy development support, Jean Monnet activities, and sports funding. One significant aspect of Erasmus+ is projects for enhancing opportunities in higher education, aimed at increasing intercultural understanding, modernizing and internationalizing higher education systems, and strengthening cooperation with the EU. These transnational joint projects support participant countries in overcoming challenges and aligning higher education development in the EU. (HEIComp.2023. What is the Erasmus+ Capacity Building program? Accessed 18 March 2024. https://heicomp.com/sobre/)
In November 2022, HEIComp was one of 89 projects approved under the ERASMUS-EDU-2022 Capacity-Building for Higher Education program. (HEIComp.2023. What is the Erasmus+ Capacity Building program? Accessed 18 March 2024. https://heicomp.com/sobre/)
HEIComp aims to enhance employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship by integrating academic research with partners’ real challenges. The project focuses on adapting the Working Life Connected (WLC) methodology in Latin American educational institutions to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It also concentrates on integrating innovative study models and knowledge exchange among partners. (HEIComp.2023. What is the HEIComp Project? Accessed 18 March 2024. https://heicomp.com/sobre/)
The HEIComp consortium, consisting of partners from European and Latin American countries, aims to strengthen ties between academic institutions and professional partners through the adaptation of the WLC methodology. With a focus on a student-oriented approach, the consortium aims to make significant changes to modernize the educational system in Latin America. (HEIComp.2023. The HEIComp Consortium. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://heicomp.com/sobre/)
In 2024, a digital survey was conducted among students from Brazil and Paraguay who participated in the Working Life Connected (WLC) study model. The questionnaire was conducted in Spanish and Portuguese to gather more responses. Students were asked about their interest in participating in such an educational study model, what could motivate them to participate in it, how they would describe the study model, and what more they would like to learn about it. Are students willing to recommend this educational study model to other students? One of the most important questions is whether students find this educational study model useful. (Canva. 2024. Meeting 05.03.2024, 20-44. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF69w42oaQ/wYWU5Ny4PNPFgM4n5AeGag/edit?amp=&=&=%27 )
The survey results showed that students are somewhat familiar with the study model, consider it very useful, and can describe it as development-promoting and practical. Most students are interested in participating in an educational study model linked to real-life practice, as they see it as an opportunity to increase their job prospects and personal development. One essential aspect is the ability to apply their knowledge in practice. (Canva. 2024. Meeting 05.03.2024, 37-38, 41-43,. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF69w42oaQ/wYWU5Ny4PNPFgM4n5AeGag/edit?amp=&=&=%27 )
Students would definitely recommend this study model to others, although they are still somewhat familiar with it and curious about how it can benefit them in life. Of course, since the study model is new to students, they still have questions about study model and its potential. For example, students would like to learn more about the benefits of this model and how it connects them to real work life(Canva. 2024. Meeting 05.03.2024, 39-40. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF69w42oaQ/wYWU5Ny4PNPFgM4n5AeGag/edit?amp=&=&=%27 )
All of this indicates that the concept of Learning by Developing (LbD), adapted within the HEIComp project in collaboration with Laurea University, truly has the potential to change the educational system in Latin America. The project aims to enhance employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship by integrating academic research with real business partner challenges.
Further development and successful implementation of the HEIComp project will contribute not only to improving the quality of education but also to strengthening ties between educational institutions and the professional community. This opens up new opportunities for students to better prepare for their future careers and successfully integrate into the job market.
References (electronic):
The HEIComp project puts Laurea’s LbD expertise into practice in Latin America. 2023. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.laurea.fi/en/current-topics/news/the-heicomp-project-puts-laureas-lbd-expertise-into-practice-in-latin-america/
Marstio, Tuija; Ranta, Liisa; Jussila, Annukka; Tapojärvi, Anna-Maija. 2023. Pohdintoja Laurean pedagogisen toimintamallin kehityksestä. Article from Theseus Source. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/816011
HEIComp.2023. Accessed 18 March 2024. https://heicomp.com/sobre/
Canva. 2024. Meeting 05.03.2024, 20-44. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF69w42oaQ/wYWU5Ny4PNPFgM4n5AeGag/edit?amp=&=&=%27
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