The challenges of the 21st Century are far trickier than they were a few decades ago. To solve these 'wicked challenges', there's a need for Self-Directed Professionals who are result-driven, embrace technology and have the ability to work creatively with the people from different disciplines and cultures. Perhaps the most important thing is that they know how to navigate ambiguity in the world of constant change.
We believe that Design-Based Learning is the answer to the question of becoming a Self-Directed Professional.
Design-Based Learning, or DBL in short is an approach that involves students in solving realistic (design) problems while reflecting on the learning process. It emphasises on the designing of activities that resemble real world environments in which students go through several iterations of creating testing and communicating.
In each of our programs, there's a gradual change from learning aimed at control to students working iteratively in a self-managing way.
Pulsers are the ‘next-gen professionals’ who take the lead in implementing digital solutions and integrating disruptive technologies to solve the complex challenges we face today.
By using Design-Based Working as an approach, they become proficient in problem solving, empathising with real users, involving other stakeholders through the process and using the strength of prototyping and testing to constantly improve the product. Most importantly, they are not shy to experiment and dare to fail.
Pulsers - see technology as an enabler of opportunities and entrepreneurship as an enabler of collaboration to spark the engine of change.
'Pulsed for Good' challenges focus on solutions to our current social dilemmas.
While working on these challenges, students get to experience worlds that are so nearby in daily lives yet often hidden far away. Think about lonely elderly homes, playful toddlers, homeless people, people with disabilities or public environments where people have to deal with unsafe situations. By working with ‘real’ people in authentic contexts, students gain first hand impressions, that help shape their personal identity and future professional choices.
