Introduction : changing world, changing higher education

Abstract

This book provides a comprehensive discussion of the relationship between higher education and working life from three different perspectives: society, higher education and the world of work. The purpose of the volume is twofold: first, to critically analyse the relationship between higher education and working life, and second, to offer material that helps university teachers develop their teaching in a way that their students will be better prepared for challenges of the continuously changing world. The chapters discuss the interplay between education and work both from the societal point of view and from the pedagogical perspective. The book is divided in three sections. The first section is concerned with higher education as a part of society, giving a broader context for more pedagogically oriented chapters. Section two focuses on transition from higher education to work and the interaction of work and learning in higher education. The third section focuses on changing workplace environments and the role of universities in promoting work based learning. Practical examples of work-related project learning and other practice oriented teaching and learning methods are examined. Also, e-learning solutions carried out through industry-university collaboration are presented. It, thus, examines relationship between higher education and working life from multiple perspectives; and aims to help teachers better prepare students for the working world, using practical examples to clarify points raised in chapters.