An example of innovative university teaching: the model of Constructive and Collaborative Professional Participation

Abstract

[EN] This contribution presents a blended course model called Constructive and Collaborative Professional Participation (CCPP), developed since 2005. We will describe theories of reference, course structure, activities performed and methods adopted. Starting from a socio-constructivist framework, both online individual and group activities and offline individual and group activities were organized together with Role Taking, "expert" and "Jigsaw" groups inspired by the Aronson method, web-forum and in presence discussions aimed at building various products. The model has been implemented in university courses about Psychology of e-learning and involves companies from the field to professionalize the activities. Academic and business tutors have been purposely trained, to support student participation. Following the Design Based Research methodology, at the end of each edition various kinds of data were collected: questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups with the students and feedback from the tutors and the companies involved. The course trained students on skills related to the syllabus, together with communication, organizational and self-assessment skills. Our results also showed how it was possible to develop identity positioning, in particular the transition from positions as students towards professional positioning.