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

Presenting Aalto way of challenge-based learning

The visit was organised by Teachers Network for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UCPH 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 ITP, IDBM, and Aalto Thesis before visiting Aalto Ventures Program and Design Factory.

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.