1. Setting the stage

Embarking on the design process of Real-Life Learning holds immense potential for teachers and students. Let's explore the key steps that can ignite your passion for this transformative approach.

Unleashing Students' Potential

Delve into your students' prior knowledge and abilities, as they shape the new capacities they will develop through their learning experiences. Recognize that each student's motivation for enrolling in your course may differ. Understanding their motivations empowers you to tailor examples, readings, and real-life cases that resonate with their diverse aspirations.

Crafting Empowering Learning Outcomes

Envision the desired abilities your students can acquire as active participants in the learning journey. By aligning learning outcomes, assessments, and learning activities, you create a harmonious course (Constructive Alignment). Embrace society-engaged learning outcomes that foster growth across various domains: knowledge acquisition, personal development, and social responsibility. Seek inspiration from the guideline for writing and using intended learning outcomes written by TLC of Wageningen University's. You might consider to let the students partly set individual learning outcomes, to encourage self-directedness.

Embracing Real-Life Assignments

Envision the exciting possibilities of real-life assignments, where students engage with the world beyond the classroom. Consider factors such as location (local, national, international), organization type (multinational, knowledge institute, NGO, start-up), and the nature of the issue (mono- or multidisciplinary). Reflect on the desired outcomes, whether it's an advisory report, policy brief, workshop, presentation, knowledge clip, or podcast. These assignments allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways.

Nurturing Meaningful Connections

Explore the varying levels of involvement for the case-owner(s) in the learning process. They can actively participate in kickoff sessions, attend final presentations or workshops where students showcase their findings, offer on-site excursions, engage in regular meetings to foster collaboration, provide feedback on mid-term products, or even play a role as an assessor. Collaborating with case owners enriches the learning experience and offers valuable insights from industry professionals.

Remember, the design process is an iterative journey. As you progress through each step, you'll continuously refine your approach based on newfound insights and emerging opportunities. Let the spirit of Real Life Learning fuel your passion for transformative education.

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