The proposed Round Table discusses the role of Practice-Based Learning arrangements as a cultural cross-over area between Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET). The underlying European project and the respective empirical analyses focus on the role of practice-based learning in study programmes of Universities and Higher Education Institutes (HEI). However, the research approaches that are presented are based on prior studies on VET and workplace-based learning.

Concerning the future role of practice-based learning the European policy documents are not very explicit. However, the most recent Communiqué of the responsible ministers of the Bologna signatory governments indicates the following statements:

·        … “strong partnerships between public authorities, higher education institutes, students, employers and employees”;

·        …”institutions to be more responsive to employers’ needs and employers to better understand the educational perspective”:

·         …“encourage work placements embedded in study programmes as well as on-the-job learning.”

Concerning European knowledge development it is worthwhile to note the following remarks:

·         … “there are several current initiatives designed to develop mechanisms for providing more detailed information about higher education institutions across the EHEA to make their diversity more transparent”  and

·         … “such mechanisms, including those helping HE systems and institutions to identify and compare their respective strengths should be developed in close consultation with the key stakeholders.”

Taking into account the limited research interest and scattered knowledge on practice-based learning arrangements (and related partnerships) in the context of HE this can be seen as policy-based request for more systematic European knowledge development.

In order to respond to the above mentioned demand for more systematic knowledge on practice-based learning as a contribution to study programmes the research approach of the Euronet-PBL project combines the following elements (that have been outlined in diverse conferences in 2009):

·         Empirical analyses (case studies and stakeholder interviews) on the functioning of practice-based learning in different study programmes in six countries;

·         Self-evaluation workshops that bring into dialogue different stakeholders (students, university lecturers and company representatives) involved in the practice-based learning activities:

·         Comparative and reflective analyses on working issues and potential benefits that are related to further development of practice-based learning.

The proposed Round Table is based on the hitherto achieved results of the project and takes further steps towards more coherent European knowledge development and towards shaping change agendas that address the role of practice-based learning as ‘vocational’ elements of studies in HE institutions. The Round Table is based on the following presentations:

1)      Introductory presentation that examines the diversity and common features of practice-based learning arrangements from the perspective of European policy development;

2)      Presentation on the role students’ practice-based learning projects as contribution to university-enterprise cooperation and the role support tools and facilitation;

3)      Presentation on the role of self-evaluation workshops (based on prior studies on public-private partnerships and adjusted to the present context) as means to create awareness on learning achievements and mutual benefits;

4)      Presentation on the possibilities to re-conceptualise practice-based learning and to enhance its standing within HE study programmes.

Deitmer, L. ; Davoine, E.; Floren, H.; Heinemann, L.; Hofmaier, B.; James, C.; Manske, F.; Ursic, D.; Turner, L. Improving the European Knowledge Base through formative and participative Evaluation of Science-Industry Liaisons and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in R&D. Final Report of COVOSECO thematic network project, EU STRATA 5th framework programme, Bremen: University of Bremen, 2003. Deitmer, L. Heinemann, L. Evaluation Approaches for Workplace Learning Partnerships in VET: How to Investigate the Learning Dimension? (2009) In: Marja-Leena Stenström & Päivi Tynjälä TOWARDS INTEGRATION OF WORK AND LEARNING - Strategies for Connectivity and Transformation, Dordrecht Springer International. Deitmer, L. & Kämäräinen, P.: The role of practice-based learning in Higher Education curricula and in university-enterprise cooperation – The approach of the Euronet-PBL project. Paper presented at the ECER 2009, Vienna. Henriksen, Lars Bo: Praxis, PBL and the application of knowledge. Paper presented at the ECER 2009, Vienna. Hofmaier, Bernd: An evaluation tool for practice-based learning (PBL). Paper presented at the ECER 2009, Vienna. Kämäräinen, P. et alia: Learning through work experience – Prospects for European knowledge development. Paper presented at the IVETA world conference 2001, Montego Bay.