BeLEARN’s Translation Model
With our translation model, we promote the transfer of findings from educational research to where they are needed: in the daily practice of teachers, learners and educational institutions.
The Translation Model in Brief
Holistic Approach
Our translation model proposes a hybrid space in which educational research and practice are closely linked. The translation process begins with us regularly identifying the needs and challenges of educational practice in our network and reflecting on them together with the research community. On this basis, research projects are initiated that specifically address the most pressing problems in the education system. Once a research project has been completed, a BeLEARN translation manager supports the selection, further development and integration of the resulting educational innovations into practice. The aim of the entire translation process is to sustainably anchor evidence-based educational innovations with pedagogical and didactic added value in practice.
Networking as a Factor for Success
In addition to physical networking and dialogue formats, BeLEARN also operates a matching platform called BeLEARN-Connect. This strengthens the exchange between research, educational practice, and business, including online. At the same time, the platform serves as a showcase for educational innovations developed within the framework of BeLEARN projects.
The term translation is particularly common in medicine and refers to interdisciplinary activities aimed at rapidly translating research findings into practice. The term has Latin origins (translatio, from transferre = to transfer, to carry over). At BeLEARN, we understand the term translation to mean the rapid transfer of scientific findings from educational research into practice.
Needs & Trends
BeLEARN works closely with practitioners from all levels of education. We regularly collect needs and challenges from everyday educational practice and integrate them into research processes, for example through exchange formats or the online platform BeLEARN-Connect. This fosters shared understanding and stimulates practice-relevant research
Co-Design & Funding
BeLEARN runs two funding calls for research projects each year. At the Barcamp, researchers, practitioners, and start-ups connect to develop project ideas and prepare joint proposals. Practice-related questions feed into the exchange as impulses. In addition, the Booster Fund provides seed funding for practice-oriented projects.
Research Projects
BeLEARN offers researchers attractive workplaces in the centre of Bern and an inspiring environment for collaboration across higher education institutions. During their projects, researchers receive regular feedback from both the research community and educational practice. This helps to gain new perspectives and to strengthen the quality and relevance of the research.
Science Communication
BeLEARN makes the results of its projects accessible through internal and external channels. To ensure that knowledge is effectively shared, the content is presented in an understandable manner and in various formats. Researchers present their findings at regular events and engage in dialogue with representatives from educational institutions, start-ups, companies, and government agencies.
Product Ideas & Strategy Development
BeLEARN supports the further development and dissemination of research results through targeted translation management. Translation managers analyse the potential for integration and scaling, prioritise projects with high transfer value and work with the relevant stakeholders to develop appropriate strategies for dissemination and implementation.
Developing of Teaching Material
During the testing and implementation phase, prototypes, concepts and software solutions are tested directly in everyday educational settings (e.g. via the Swiss Edtech Collider). Their effectiveness is evaluated and further developed in collaboration with partners from the education sector. This results in practical solutions that are well tailored to the needs of the target groups and specific application contexts.
Integration & Upscaling
The integration and scaling of educational innovations into practice takes place in collaboration with partners. BeLEARN provides these innovations via the BeLEARN-Connect platform and its own website. Open-source solutions are prioritised to ensure that innovations are visible, accessible, and sustainably usable.