Our translation model proposes a hybrid space in which research and practice are in continuous dialogue, learn from each other and inspire each other. BeLEARN acts as a national platform on which research is stimulated by practice and scientific findings are purposefully and systematically transferred into practical application.
Needs & Trends
On our interactive online platform belearn-connect.swiss (to be launched soon), BeLEARN and the members of the community provide scientific studies, initiate discussions and share innovative best-practice examples from educational practice. Events are held to discuss which answers research provides to questions from practice and which questions are still open. In this way, BeLEARN promotes the targeted transfer of knowledge and experience, encourages practice-orientated research projects and fosters innovation and quality in the education sector.
Co-Design & Funding
As part of the allocation of research funds, an annual barcamp is organised that enables researchers to network across universities, find project partners and develop innovative ideas. In order to strengthen the dialogue between research and educational practice, practice-oriented impulses are given that address current challenges in the education system. Only projects that demonstrate a clear perspective for the transfer of scientific findings into practice are funded.
Research Projects
BeLEARN offers researchers modern workspaces in the centre of Bern, creating optimal conditions for productive academic working. Via our online platform belearn-connect.swiss (to be launched soon), they can enter into dialogue with stakeholders from education, research and industry and find helpful resources. They also benefit from feedback from researchers and practitioners at live events. This helps to identify blind spots and further develop projects accordingly. The quality and relevance of research is increased in the long term.
Science Communication
BeLEARN makes research findings available to interested parties in education and industry on its own website and on belearn-connect.swiss (to be launched soon) and thus creates a bridge between research and practice. To ensure that knowledge transfer is successful, the research results are presented in a way that is easy to understood and processed in various formats. To increase its reach, BeLEARN also uses external channels of partners. In addition, regular events are held where researchers can present their research results to the scientific community and representatives of practice and enter into a dialogue.
Productideas & Strategy Development
In order for the published research results to be put into practice, committed partners are needed who are willing to develop them further. An interdisciplinary working group consisting of representatives from universities, companies, educational publishers and other key players in the education system evaluates the potential of the results. The aim of the collaboration is to establish development paths for practical and sustainable implementation and simultaneously attract potential investors for the realisation.
Developing of
Teaching Material
In the testing and production phase, prototypes, concepts and software solutions are tested directly in everyday educational settings in order to evaluate their effectiveness. These field tests, carried out in collaboration with partners such as the Swiss EdTech Collider and other players in the education sector, make it possible to further develop solutions in a targeted manner and tailor them precisely to the requirements of the target group. The knowledge gained is integrated into the development of evidence-based teaching materials that are optimally tailored to the needs of teachers and students.
Integration & Upscaling
Proven concepts, products or services from pilot projects are to be transferred to broader contexts - for example, into the educational landscape of entire cantons, the training and further education of teachers at teacher training universities (PH), vocational training or via teaching materials publishers. BeLEARN itself does not carry out any direct integration or distribution of teaching materials. Implementation in everyday teaching is realised by the schools, and distribution and further development of the teaching materials is carried out by partner publishers.
Would you like to work with us to build a bridge between research and practice? We look forward to hearing from you.