Abstract:

Background:
The Finnish higher education system has been developed as a dual system. A close connection with working life is one of the main emphases in universities of applied sciences. This goal can be achieved e.g. by developing the contacts between research, development work and innovation (RDI) and teaching. To connect RDI projects with the studies as a whole, but especially to master’s theses, was one of the most important innovations in regard to the master’s degree studies at the Faculty of Health Care at Turku University of Applied Sciences. Since 2005 the model has been implemented to all master´s degree programmes at the Faculty of Health. Ministry of Education and Culture has funded a national project (2013-2015) in order to integrate RDI work to all master´s degree programmes at Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland. The project has been divided into four workbackages. In WP 4 “ Teachers at master´s level as bridge builders between education and working life“ the tripartite model operates as a framework for all research and development.

Relevance:
Topic: Research in Education – Sub-theme: Links between Education and Research

Aim:
• to clarify what is a tripartite model and how it is used on master´s degree programmes.
• to know how it is possible to link master’s degree studies to RDI

Participants:
Five Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland in WP4

Method:
A tripartite model means a way of producing master’s theses as working life related projects. The model forms from cooperation of student, mentor and teacher tutor. The student acts as a project manager and is guided by a mentor from working life and a teacher tutor. The supporting project group and authoritative steering group are constituted for the project. The model acts as an expertise improving learning environment; it supports not only the development of each individual student but also increases innovations in social networks and in different organizations and communities.
Several methods are being used to evaluate the use of tripartite model in order to connect working life and education and RDI-projects.

Evaluation:
The tripartite model presented here has been evaluated in 2009. It will be evaluated again with different methods in WP4 “ Teachers at master´s level as bridge builders between education and working life”.

Conclusion:
• to know what is a tripartite model and how it is used on master´s degree programmes in the Faculty of Health Care at Turku University of Applied Sciences
• to know how it is possible to link master’s degree studies to RDI
• A RDI-project as an example of implementation of a tripartite model

References:
[1] Ahonen, P. (2013) Tripartite model in master´s degree program – Case 10Points. In: von Schantz, M. & Lind, K. (eds.) Better health via research. Reports 156. Turku: Turku University of Applied Sciences.
[2] Ahonen, P. & Nurminen, R. (2009) Developing working life by using a tripartite model – experiences from health care sector. [In Finnish] In: Varjonen, B. & Maijala, H. (eds.) Master´s degree programs at Universities of Applied Sciences – a part of innovative environment. Hämeenlinna: HAMK University of Applied Sciences.

Keywords:

Research, development and innovation (RDI), tripartite model, master´s degree programmes.