Why did you decide to develop and work with challenge-based learning formats?

Dr Frans Stel: Challenge-based learning is a modern way of teaching: it’s a more effective way of learning and very appealing to (some) students, because of its ‘learning-by-doing’ nature. Afterwards, the students reflect upon their learnings.

What has your experience been?

Dr Frans Stel: Extremely positive, despite being somewhat time-consuming. It is useful, especially for more senior students.

As academic staff, what exactly is your role during the challenges?

Dr Frans Stel: I would say my role is that of an organiser or co-organiser, but also teacher, coach and trainer. I facilitate the students’ learning processes by offering useful tools and providing coaching and advice.

In your view, what are the advantages (and disadvantages, if any) of taking up challenge-based learning formats in comparison to research-, problem- or project-based learning?

Dr Frans Stel: Challenge-based learning offers highly motivated, rather senior students, the advantage of being able to integrate theory and practice. However, it can be a time-consuming and therefore expensive educational format.

“I think that to a certain extent, challenge-based learning will actually substitute traditional educational approaches.” – Dr Frans Stel

How to best ensure successful university-business collaboration in sustainable venturing challenges? 

Dr Frans Stel: From my experience, the key to successful university-industry collaboration in developing and carrying out sustainable venturing challenges is to build up a strong ecosystem of long-term partners.

How relevant for the future is challenge-based learning and cooperation between universities and companies, in your opinion? 

Dr Frans Stel: Very relevant! I think that to a certain extent, challenge-based learning will actually substitute traditional educational approaches.

Would you recommend other university staff to take up challenge-based learning into their curricula, and if so, why? 

Dr Frans Stel: Yes, but only if they are motivated and enabled to participate in terms of time, workload, infrastructure and tools.