The program in Friesland is designed to impact society positively by fostering a vital community through student engagement with local topics. This innovative initiative situates students at the heart of societal development, working closely with municipal partners on sub-topics crucial for fostering a vital society.
Design of the Program
The Ateliers are not so much a program as they are a workspace where collaborative selection of topics and identification of wicked, local problems, often rooted in the social domain, take place. This collaborative process involves stakeholders, teachers, and lecturers, ensuring the topics are broadly defined to allow students the challenge of aligning their learning objectives with the project goals. Topics range from health and wellbeing initiatives like the ‘flower’ zone in Ameland and Bolsward to addressing societal issues such as youth substance abuse and loneliness among young people.
Learning Objectives
Students’ learning objectives are intertwined with their personal minor program goals and their personal development goals. The program emphasizes comparative perspective analysis, citizen engagement, and professional collaboration. However, the learning objectives are not confined to the context of Academic Skills Development (ASD) but are tailored to the students’ individual minors. This personalized approach facilitates a deep, nuanced understanding of societal challenges and promotes a comprehensive learning experience.
Successes and Challenges
The program has led to the creation of meaningful prototypes that resonate with the local community, fostering a deeper connection between stakeholders, citizens, and students. One notable success is the embracement of a student-developed prototype by the community, highlighting the tangible impact of the ‘program’.
However, the primary challenge lies in balancing the educational focus with maintaining partner engagement, as some partners have experienced boredom due to an overly student-centric approach. Additionally, the program seeks to make the impact on policy more visible, aiming to enhance the visibility of outcomes and benefits for all participants.
Scale and Structure
The program features a multi-level student participation model, incorporating minor students, master students, and vocational education students. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also introduces complexity in managing learning outcomes. Weekly meetings and think tanks facilitate interaction between students and field partners, with coordinators playing a crucial role in ensuring continuity and bridging connections across educational and professional landscapes.
Vision for the Future
Moving forward, the program aims to refine its approach to scaffold learning more effectively, addressing the identified challenges and enhancing transdisciplinary learning opportunities. A key development goal is to improve the visibility of policy impacts and further integrate partner learning experiences. The vision encompasses a more balanced engagement model, where students, professionals, and stakeholders merge around shared goals for societal advancement, fostering a vibrant and resilient community in Friesland.
