An integrated learning model in collaboration with industrial partners.

We present a recently developed learning model of integrated learning in the Bachelor programs in Mechanical Engineering as well as Electrical and Computer Engineering at Umeå University, Sweden. The model is based on an organized collaboration with our industrial partner in the surrounding geographic region. As a part of the collaboration, each participating student is guaranteed internships at a chosen company during the summer period. In the model, the company based projects are integrated with some of the study program courses. Moreover, the participating students were given a possibility to perform their graduation thesis at the chosen company. We consider this collaboration as a "win-win situation" for the three parties involved in the learning model: the students, the university/faculty and the industrial partners. A number of positive effects has been observed and documented as follows.

i) The integrated learning improves the learning process for the students, where learning, knowledge and practice are integrated into the engineering curricula.

ii) The general quality of the study programs in the faculty has been developed and improved based on the professional skills as required by modern industrial companies.

iii) The obtained advantage for the industrial partners has been to establish professional contacts with the students as well as the possibility to be acquainted with potential employees in the future.

We will discuss the experiences of this learning model in relation to CDIO standard 7(Integrated Learning Experiences). It has been found that the company based projects promote the interdisciplinary learning as well as fostering system building skills and personal communication skills. We present examples on how our industrial partners provide project exercises that supports and promote this type of integrated learning. Moreover, the developed learning model can support the expected learning outcomes, especially with regard to interpersonal skills, teamwork and communication. Finally, we will investigate the learning theories that support the developed learning model from a pedagogical point of view.

Proceedings of the 10th International CDIO Conference, Barcelona, Spain, June 15-19 2014