Laurea’s pedagogy – Learning by Developing

What does Learning by Developing mean for the student?

During your studies, you learn to boldly tackle challenges and to act autonomously. You learn to combine theory and practice, to develop problem-solving skills and to exercise critical thinking and reflection. In goal-oriented and supervised work you learn to manage overarching processes and project work, where an investigative and developmental approach to work is at the heart of learning.

• You learn by researching, reflecting and developing together with teachers, students and partners from working life
• You expand your knowledge base
• You practice skills in practical settings
• You develop creative problem-solving approaches
• You acquire the professional competence needed in your field by taking part in a variety of development initiatives and projects
• You build working life contacts already during your studies, as interaction with working life is active in our programmes

Development-based learning is present in all our study approaches. Laurea’s degree programs offer three distinct forms of implementation:

• full-time studies,
• part-time studies, and
• online studies.

Each of these approaches applies Laurea’s Learning by Developing (LbD) pedagogy in an adapted manner.

The LbD model always begins with a genuine development task related to working life or Laurea’s research, development, and innovation projects. Guidance plays a central role in the LbD model, as teachers systematically guide and provide developmental feedback to support students’ professional growth.

What does the model demands from the students?

Learning by Developing model demands

• active participation,
• commitment and
• the construction and sharing of expertise within teams.

The close collaboration with the working life helps students and teachers establish networks with various partners.

Laurea’s pedagogical programme

The pedagogical programme describes and defines Laurea’s approach to learning, teaching, guidance, competence development, the role of knowledge and partners, and our collaborative way of working.

Laurea-level policies guide all pedagogical activities.

Laurea’s pedagogical programme contributes to the promotion of accessibility and equality in studying and teaching. At the same time, it supports Laurea’s other strategic goals, which are implemented in accordance with Laurea’s values in an open, effective and responsible manner.

Explore Laurea’s pedagogical programme (PDF)