The first challenge-based learning workshop organised by Dr Niamh O’Brien and Dr Mike Kinsella was a resounding success. With over 35 colleagues in attendance, facilitated by Dr Roisin Lyons from the University of Limerick, the event delved into the practical implementation of challenge-based learning in higher education.
The workshop, held at GROWTHhub, on the Cork Road Campus, Waterford, was funded by SATLE, the National Forum of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and supported by EU-CONEXUS at SETU.
Thought provoking examples
An innovative canvas created by Dr Niamh O’ Brien and Dr Roisin Lyons was utilised during the workshop to outline a step-by-step model for integrating challenge-based learning. This proved to be key to fully involve participants in developing the steps of reflection, engagement, action, and creation throughout the training. Dr Roisin Lyons provided insightful anecdotes to explain the effectiveness of challenge-based learning in higher education. Her examples of challenge-based learning case studies inspired those who attended, highlighting the potential impact of this approach in diverse educational contexts.
Addressing real-world challenges
Speaking after the event Dr Niamh O’Brien said “Challenge-based learning can address real-world challenges in sustainability, equality, diversity, and digital transformations”. Feedback received post-workshop echoed this sentiment, with participants offering comments such as, "It excellently demonstrated the applicability of the approach to many disciplines," and "Challenge-based learning equips students with the skills to address challenging problems and adapt as needed."
In the future
Ultimately, the workshop successfully met its objectives, as colleagues discovered and articulated both the boundaries and potential of challenge-based learning in their respective practices. The enthusiastic participation of numerous SETU colleagues from all campuses was immensely gratifying and we look forward to seeing and hearing about the outputs of the training in the future.
About EU-CONEXUS
EU-CONEXUS is a fully-fledged transnational European University offering joint education, training and study programmes, joint research and professional development opportunities for all of its staff, researchers, and students.
SETU is a partner of the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance on Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability with La Rochelle University, France; Catholic University of Valencia, Spain; University of Zadar, Croatia; Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; Frederick University, Cyprus; Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, Romania; Klaipeda University, Lithuania and University of Rostock, Germany.
EU-CONEXUS is themed on “Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability”, focusing education, research & innovation, and knowledge-sharing activities on defining, understanding and addressing societal challenges experienced by communities from urban and semi-urbanised coastal regions (rivers, seas and oceans).
Further details can be found on the EU-CONEXUS website.