Abstract:

Learning by Developing (LbD) model is based on studying in real working life projects. These projects form an integral part of the students’ competence development at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. LbD model provides renewable expertise to all actors.

In the autumn of 2013, 16 students of the Bachelor Degree Programmes in Nursing and Social Services took part in a state-funded mental health and substance abuse development project called “Mental Well-being in Vantaa project “ as a part of their studies. The students’ experiences of the project work were collected using a feedback questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used as a method in interpreting the results.

The chance to act as developers in this genuine development project supported the students’ professional competence development. By working in a project environment, the students improved their interaction and cooperation skills and were able to benefit from the knowledge of various professional groups. Multi-professional collaboration gave the students more knowledge and experience of mental health services in the city of Vantaa and provided a way to achieve concrete development skills.

All students benefitted from the multi-professional collaboration in the project. The LbD model helped to strengthen the students’ abilities to respond to future challenges in developing customer-oriented mental health services. Integration of multi-professional project work into the study units produced new expertise, skills and innovations for all participants.

Keywords:

Project work, learning experiences, Learning by Developing (LbD) model, multiprofessional collaboration.