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.
We will talk about the Learning by Developing (LbD) a 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.
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.
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.
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.
In early 2023, the HEIComp project was launched by Laurea University of Applied
Sciences, aimed at enhancing higher education in Brazil and Paraguay to better meet labor
market needs and provide students with employment opportunities.
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. In addition, there are two European partners, one from Portugal and one from
Romania. Laurea coordinates the project. The HEIComp aims to create a student-oriented
study model that integrates education with practical tasks using Laurea’s recognized
approach – the Learning by Developing (LbD) a Study Model.
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
In November 2022, HEIComp was one of 89 projects approved under the ERASMUS-EDU-
2022 Capacity-Building for Higher Education program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All of this indicates that the concept of Learning by Developing (LbD), adapted within the HEIComp project, 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.
Table of Contents:
- The HEIComp project and its goal to modernize higher education in Latin America.
- The Learning by Developing (LbD) a Study Model developed by Laurea University of Applied Sciences – a student-oriented approach to education evolving since 2000.
- The HEIComp project, funded by the Erasmus+ programme, implements Working Life Connected (WLC) methodology in Latin America, in collaboration with higher education institutions and partner institutions involved in the project.
- The survey results of students who participated in the HEIComp project revealed their thoughts and feelings about the Working Life Connected Study Model, highlighting their individual experiences and opinions about this innovative approach to education.
References:
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/
Unpublished references:
Meeting status update. 05.03.2024. Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
Project report – Increasing Brand Awareness of HEIComp 2024. Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu.
@heicomp project is funded by #erasmusplus #capacitybuilding
