Abstract:

In today's rapidly evolving society, organizations strive to become learning organizations with strong collaborations in the industry. Our research explores the concept of Shared Learning Teams (SLTs) and their multifaceted role in fostering innovation, accelerating student readiness, promoting student flourishing, and facilitating lifelong learning. It considers the strategic motives of the industry, including the importance of continuous employee development within the context of a lifelong learning framework.

Shared Learning Teams (SLTs) are collaborative groups comprised of students, lecturers, and industry partners who work together in a hybrid learning environment to tackle complex problems, particularly those with societal implications. SLTs prioritize the learning and development of all team members, creating an environment that nurtures student flourishing and continuous growth.

Research by Seligman (2011) and Keyes (2002) suggests that student flourishing encompasses well-being, positive emotions, engagement, meaning, and accomplishments. By actively involving industry partners in SLTs, students gain industry-specific knowledge, practical insights, and valuable mentorship, fostering their personal growth and flourishing (Seligman, 2011; Keyes, 2002). This collaboration not only prepares students for the workforce but also aligns their education with industry needs, enabling them to thrive in their future careers. Furthermore, the collaboration between universities and industry within SLTs serves the strategic motives of the industry, including the promotion of lifelong learning. In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving job requirements, industry partners recognize the significance of continuous employee development to maintain a skilled and adaptable workforce (Chen et al., 2020). Through participation in SLTs, industry professionals engage in knowledge sharing, gain fresh perspectives from students, and enhance their own professional growth, contributing to the concept of lifelong learning (European Commission, 2021).

SLTs also seems to provide an ideal platform for students to flourish, as they gain practical experiences, work on real-world challenges, and engage with diverse perspectives. The industry's involvement in SLTs ensures the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date, addressing the strategic needs and trends of the industry (DeFillippi & Arthur, 1994). Simultaneously, the industry benefits from the professional development opportunities offered through SLTs, enabling their employees to acquire new skills and knowledge within a lifelong learning framework.

We want to present the following results at the conference: the cooperation between university and industry through Shared Learning Teams not only accelerate student readiness for the industry but also foster student flourishing and contribute to lifelong learning. By actively involving industry partners, students gain industry-specific knowledge and experiences, enhancing their personal growth and well-being. Simultaneously, the industry benefits from strategic motives such as talent acquisition, skill development, and lifelong learning opportunities. The research emphasizes the significance of these collaborations in promoting student flourishing, addressing industry strategic motives, and facilitating lifelong learning.

Keywords:

Workplace learning, university industry co-operation, shared learning teams, collaborative learning, hybrid learning, flourishing.