SWC Dungannon recently hosted the ‘Create 2020’ event targeted at employers seeking project solutions through Project Based Learning (PBL). PBL in an educational setting has been identified as one of the most proven effective tools for the development of twenty first century skills, including creativity, communication, collaboration, completing projects and core vocational competence.
PBL is also most effective when it brings together real-world industry projects, problems and students. Create 2020, which was funded by Connected, welcomed speakers who addressed industry representatives and educators about the possibilities to develop future ready employees.
Marjolein Hutting and Adam Saint from Koning Willem 1 College in the Netherlands delivered workshops on developing a growth mind-set and learning ideation approaches and spoke about their work with government organisations, local companies, students, teachers and directors. Adam said:
“I believe that a creative change process which allows students to discover their talents and passions is central. Learning this thinking process and all the creative thinking stages is often more important than the final result. Offering students freedom and space ensures co-creation and co-initiation that creates new dimensions.”
Padraig McNamee, Head of Faculty, Automotive Computing and Engineering said:
“Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge. This is a mutually beneficial partnership between colleges, students and industry.
“We have been delighted to learn about PBL from experts in the fields and to listen to local industry representatives and college lecturers about their experiences of PBL – sharing knowledge and best practice will help everyone to have a better understanding of PBL.”
SWC offers a diverse range of solutions for projects of all sizes through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), student placements, student projects, Innovation Vouchers and Employer Support Programme. For further information please contact Linda.Clarke@swc.ac.uk