The core of the ECIU University is a challenge-based approach – a model where learners, teachers and researchers cooperate with business and society to solve real-life challenges.
CBL education model
CBL is a learner-driven method, where learners take ownership of their challenge, define the problems they want to work on and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to solve the challenge.
Teachers guide and facilitate team culture, help students to manage the tasks and enable students to move towards innovative thinking.
Challenges and Micro-modules
Challenges in the form of real-life problems are provided by business and public partners (cities, regions, etc.) and concern issues important for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. International and multidisciplinary teams together with a team facilitator (called a “teamcher”) investigate the challenge and propose solutions.
The team or individual participants can gain additional knowledge or skills they lack to solve the challenge by selecting micro-modules. A micro-module is a short learning experience that upgrades the competences in a particular area concerning the challenge (circular economy, sustainability etc.). In addition, there are micromodules offering courses developing transversal or language skills. Micro-modules are also available regardless of the challenges.
Teams might deliver their proposed solutions further – which may include services, products, research questions, start-ups and spin-offs.
After successful completion of the challenge, learners receive a Certificate of Participation.
Why participate?
Students, Professionals, Life-Long Learners
-
gain new skills by solving real-life problems
-
gain experience in working in international and multidisciplinary environment
-
engage in with cooperation with business and societal partners
-
help solve local, national and global challenges
University Staff
-
gain knowledge and experience in challenge-based approach to education
-
adopt challenge-based learning approach to your academic work
-
propose new educational offer at your university
-
have real impact on solving societal problems
Business and Societal Partners
-
solve problems that are relevant to your organisation with a challenge-based approach
-
engage in cooperation with universities in knowledge transfer and innovation
-
help design educational offer that upgrades key skills for your potential employees