The Future of Education

This paper discusses a project called English at Work between two universities (Stenden and Haaga-Helia) involving over 50 students, three instructors and 20 enterprises. The project entailed a research on use of English in businesses in the Netherlands and Finland. The project was managed and conducted by students. The paper gives a description of the project and discusses participant experiences.

The project initiated cooperation on student level, and included blended learning and inquiry learning. The learning objectives were improving skills in business communication, intercultural and project management. The Finnish and Dutch students were managed by student project managers. First, more lessons were given but soon most work was conducted in the designated student teams. An advisory team of lecturers consulted and advised the process. In the end, the results were gathered and presented.

The students decided on their roles and tasks, data collection etc., which catered for learner empowerment. Also, peer teaching took place. The students documented their work in memos, learning diaries and portfolios. Reflection discussions took place, and peer and self-evaluation was also conducted in the end.

There was enthusiasm and motivation in the student teams despite challenges of different learning cultures and the distance (cultural, psychological and physical). Lack of familiarity with the methods resulted in some confusion. The commitment and input levels varied resulting in different outcomes. The Dutch and Finnish approach varied.

It is recommended that an outline of tasks be made and that the instructors visualise their roles more. Also, more workshops on goal setting, methods, reflection and self- and peer evaluation might be arranged. The co-operation continues and topics, and third country partners, are sought.