Sharing the Learning by Developing Model in an International Context

Internationality creates new and diverse opportunities for higher education institutions, primarily through research, development, and innovation activities. In the preparation process for international projects and international courses, Laurea UAS’s [Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland] pedagogical model Learning by Developing [LbD] has often been included as a way of teaching, learning, and cocreating. In these processes, we must convince our project partners about the splendor of the model. A deep understanding of the LbD- model is therefore needed. This research paper aims to find answers to why, what, and how to communicate with international partners about the pedagogical model. We seek answers to these research questions using the literature review method. It examines and summarizes the content of previous studies on the LbD operating model and learning environments in higher education and synthetizes it to an international angle. Successful learning environments are a combination of formal learning environments, such as the UAS, and non-formal environments, such as companies located in the nearby region. Typical for the LbD model, is that we are always working with real-life problem-solving (authenticity, experiencing). The problems are not purely theoretical, even if they could be in different stages of the development process, but theoretical approaches are used (research orientation). An important feature is the co-creation processes and shared learning experiences both individually and as a community (partnership, creativity). The model is incorporated into all the projects, courses and degree programmes of the UAS. It must be remembered that success in the operation of the education institution returns to the idea of success in learning, and that’s why it is at the centre of the LbD-model. Also creating partnerships is crucial in an international context. The partnership means working together, sharing knowledge, and learning together. It also means that different roles should be decided upon and shared when needed. In an international context, where we are building partnerships, this is challenging. The virtual space is different from the physical space and the practicalities become sometimes more asynchronous. To build up partnerships requires expertise in encounters in both authentic (physical) and virtual environments, as well as intensive and long-lasting collaboration. The joint operation of international networks can be challenging, as the common understanding of context and doing can vary. It usually takes time to get acquainted before a confidential collaboration environment can be formed. In various co-development processes, attention is also paid to the different goals and benefits of the operators. In addition, it may be necessary to facilitate the necessary coordination in the process. This could lead towards a dialogue that transforms the model from tacit knowledge to explicit practices