1. The Montenegro seminar: concluding session
European experience of flexible learning
The Montenegro seminar: concluding session
Howard Davies
Senior Adviser, Higher Education Policy
European University Association
SPHERE seminar, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, May

2. European experience of flexible learning
Research-based learning [RBL]
Operates at the level of the programme
Generates ‘knowledge created with students’
Creates a virtuous circle, in which research informs learning and teaching and, reciprocally, may be reshaped by them
Is characterised by so many variables (level, discipline, group size, availability of learning resources etc) that no prescribed model can exist

3. European experience of flexible learning
From
research-intensive to
research-inclusive

4. European experience of flexible learning
RBL: context-dependence
From the point of view of SPHERE, the contexts (national, legal, financial, cultural) are multiple
The identification and dissemination of good practice suggests that some degree of convergence is possible
It is useful to specify the key prerequisites and the challenges

5. European experience of flexible learning
RBL: the key prerequisites
The engagement of students…
… and all stakeholders
Programme design based on learning outcomes
Articulation with quality assurance and enhancement
Strong focus on undergraduate programmes
The de-privatisation of teaching

6. European experience of flexible learning
RBL: the challenges (1)
To managers and policymakers at system and institutional levels:
Use funding instruments to secure parity of esteem for research and teaching activities
Structure career pathways and workload accordingly
Extend academic autonomy to the level at which programme design becomes the responsibility of the practitioners

7. European experience of flexible learning
RBL: the challenges (2)
To the academic community as a whole:
Develop a methodology to assess the incidence of gender sensitivity in RBL
Develop over time ways of measuring and demonstrating the value-added of RBL
Use its leverage on policy-makers to influence the fostering of RBL in the secondary education sector

8. Thank you for your attention!
European experience of flexible learning
Thank you for your attention!