Abstract
The Commission of European Communities concluded in a report from 2005 that “knowledge,
research, skills and education will be the currency of success in the face of globalization” and
that there should be support for excellence in European universities. This paper gives examples
from Europe and the United States on higher educations tailored to challenge the most talented
and motivated students. Further details are provided on the current situation in Denmark, where
the government has decided to support the development of highly specialised elite programmes
at the master level. Aalborg University was able to respond to this challenge as the first
university in Denmark as the problem-based learning concept characterizing the university
proved well-suited as a general framework for elite-programmes. This framework is described in
details and results from a survey conducted among the elite students are reported. Many of the
objectives of the programmes such as involving the students in research and having them to
contribute actively are met. Students have been able to submit journal papers and patent
applications. More importantly, up to 84% of the elite students are potentially interested in
pursuing a career in academia.
research, skills and education will be the currency of success in the face of globalization” and
that there should be support for excellence in European universities. This paper gives examples
from Europe and the United States on higher educations tailored to challenge the most talented
and motivated students. Further details are provided on the current situation in Denmark, where
the government has decided to support the development of highly specialised elite programmes
at the master level. Aalborg University was able to respond to this challenge as the first
university in Denmark as the problem-based learning concept characterizing the university
proved well-suited as a general framework for elite-programmes. This framework is described in
details and results from a survey conducted among the elite students are reported. Many of the
objectives of the programmes such as involving the students in research and having them to
contribute actively are met. Students have been able to submit journal papers and patent
applications. More importantly, up to 84% of the elite students are potentially interested in
pursuing a career in academia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | SEFI 2008, 36th Annual Conference : - |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Publisher | Brill | Sense |
| Publication date | 2008 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-90-8790-571-2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Event | European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) - Aalborg, Denmark Duration: 2 Jul 2008 → 5 Jul 2008 |
Conference
| Conference | European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Denmark |
| City | Aalborg |
| Period | 02/07/2008 → 05/07/2008 |
Keywords
- curriculum development
- elite students
- honours programmes,
- problem based learning