Westland EducationBooST: Educational Development for Vocational and Higher Professional Education

Together, in collaboration with one another, instructors, and network partner, we train these vocational professionals to solve real-world problems and prepare them for the future.

Background project 

To ensure that the Westland region maintains its innovative strength over the long term, we need professionals who collaborate effectively, are adaptable, and are forward-thinking. The motto of these professionals should be: collaboration first and lifelong learning. Vocational and higher professional education institutions are responding to this need, in part by having students contribute to solving challenging business-related and societal issues.

Educational Concept for Collaborating Professionals

Various living labs in the region have already gained experience with collaborative innovation involving industry partners, faculty, and students. However, a suitable educational model is still lacking at this time. Furthermore, the role of industry partners in this process needs to be further explored and strengthened. And is there a need for more knowledge about how vocational education (Mbo) and higher professional education (Hbo) can work together in this regard? The underlying research question is therefore: “How can we use challenge-based education to train collaborative, agile, and future-oriented professionals through mutually reinforcing vocational and higher professional education programs?”

The project 

To answer this research question, the National Coordination Agency for Educational Research (NRO) has awarded a grant of more than 500,000 euros to MBO Westland and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Over a four-year period, the challenge-based learning educational concept will be developed and evaluated. This will be done through five interconnected work packages and an iterative, design-oriented research approach. The educational concept is being implemented in living labs in the Westland region, based on two case studies. In these living labs, regional partners from education, research, and the field collaborate continuously, and knowledge is constantly shared.

Measuring in the Greenhouse

For the Westland-based industry partners and network organizations World Horti Center and Greenport West Holland, as well as the educational institutions MBO Westland and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, “Measuring in the Greenhouse” and “Food from the Greenhouse” are relevant, timely topics. For example, the pilot for “Measuring in the Greenhouse” showed that growers—including those with vocational training in horticulture—need a measurement tool to critically evaluate data. It is precisely these vocational students who have the best understanding of the typical (and therefore also the atypical) conditions in the greenhouse.

Food from the Greenhouse

Another project, the Food Boost Challenge, demonstrated the power of accessible collaboration between vocational (MBO) and higher professional education (HBO) students, particularly in terms of transition to HBO and creativity. For vocational students, collaborating with peers in education can contribute to a successful transition to HBO, as it creates a stimulating and realistic picture of what to expect during their studies. At the same time, this collaboration between vocational and higher vocational education students does not happen automatically. This project is investigating what is needed to achieve this.

Results 

Through the projects mentioned above, a solid foundation is being laid for sustainable regional cooperation aimed at solving complex issues. The educational concept offers students in the health, technology, and vitality sectors the opportunity to develop essential skills and an adaptive mindset for lifelong learning. This provides a boost to vocational education in the region, not only at the student level, but also at the instructor and practical training levels.

More information 

• Collaborating students: De Hei, M. 2016. Collaborative learning in higher education. PhD Thesis.
• Measuring in the Greenhouse: Project SCOUT (Sensoric data Catching Of highly Useful Terabytes) PRECISION FARMING IN DE TUINBOUWKAS | NWO-SIA Projectenbank (sia-projecten.nl)

Team

Centre of Expertise Health Innovation, Healthy Lifestyle in a Supporting Environment Research Group: 

• Sanne de Vries (lector, project coordinator)
• Machteld van Lieshout (project leader)
• Wendy Scholtes-Bos
• Daphne Koeners

Centre of Expertise Digital Operations & Finance, Smart Sensor Systems Research Group:

• John Bolte (lector)
• Sam Aerts

Centre of Expertise for Global and Inclusive Learning, Research Group Sustainable Talent Development:

• Ellen Sjoer (lector)
• Miranda de Hei
• Julia van Voskuilen

From the Nutrition & Dietetics program:

• Jacqueline Langius

Contact 

Machteld van Lieshout ([email protected] & 06-89990159)