Future-ready skills development through Experiential Learning: perceptions from students working in multidisciplinary teams

Abstract

This paper addresses the learning outcomes and student perceptions of the Aalto University PdP course, which promotes experiential learning and where multidisciplinary master student teams work on industry-based projects. These outcomes were collected through a questionnaire filled by students voluntarily, which focussed on what were the main competencies, where they were acquired and what was the core learning. The results highlight the significance of interpersonal skills, which formed the most significant category reported by students, and were perceived as critical for project success. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of the multifaceted role that prototyping plays in communication and sense-making.

Keywords

• experiential learning
• product development
• Interpersonal skills
• multidiciplinary Education