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“Cool over cold!” - University of Copenhagen’s reaction to Teaching Lab

A delegation of 23 educators from the University of Copenhagen visited Aalto’s Teaching Lab 1 October to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship in teaching. Our Danish colleagues were interested in hearing about Teaching Lab and Aalto University’s approaches in engaging the local community, business sector, and public institutions in both curricular and extra-curricular innovation activities.
23 visitors from University of Copenhagen standing in the stairs of Väre building.
University of Copenhagen's delegation from Teachers Network for Innovation & Entrepreneurship / photo: Silva Saulio

Presenting Aalto way of challenge-based learning

The visit was organised by Teachers Network for and hosted by Teaching Labfrom Aalto University. Teaching Lab aims to help in designing Aalto’s courses and programmes to be more work-life connected. The guests also heard about Aalto’s multidisciplinary and challenge-based learning courses and programmes, like , , and Aalto Thesis before visiting Aalto Ventures Program and .

This is what the visitors thought about Aalto University’s teaching methods: “Both cross- and interdisciplinary and project-based work are really impressive, and also how much you work with entrepreneurship!” said Annemarie Olsen, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Department. “I have three words: cool over cold”, summarised senior advisor Martin B. Justesen.

“The most impressive set I’ve seen”

Aalto’s architecture and use of space raised enthusiasm amongst the visitors: “I think it was very inspiring to see that you basically made the buildings that fit innovation and entrepreneurship - the mindset. I think this is very nice to see that when it’s done properly, it probably does a lot”, thought Jacob B. Hansen, Head of Studies and Associate Professor.

“And how you manage to get funding and have teachers in both integrating into the courses and having this amazing additional service Teaching Lab. I think it’s the most impressive set I’ve seen in universities. So thank you very much!”, concluded Olsen.

Teaching Lab  — Designing future-proof education
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