Wicked problems of educational institutes
Join us on an international Design Thinking journey to explore wicked problems, challenge assumptions and develop ideas together. Work with students from different countries and disciplines, explore complex real-life challenges from multiple perspectives and learn by doing.
The Wicked Problems Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) takes students on a collaborative Design Thinking journey to explore complex, real-life challenges in educational contexts. Working in international and multidisciplinary teams, students learn how to approach problems that do not have simple or predefined solutions.
It brings together students from RUN-EU institutions to collaborate on authentic challenges related to education and educational organisations. Students are introduced to the characteristics of wicked problems and the principles of Design Thinking and learn to explore challenges from different stakeholder and user perspectives.
During the process, the international teams apply Design Thinking methods to gather and analyse insights, define and reframe problems, generate ideas and develop possible solutions. The emphasis is not only on the outcome but also on learning how to work with complexity, uncertainty and multiple perspectives through an iterative and collaborative development process.
This BIP aims to develop students’ capabilities in Design Thinking, collaborative problem-solving and international teamwork while providing practical experience of addressing complex challenges in educational contexts
25th of January 2027 to 30th of April 2027
English
To be defined by each higher education institution. Generally, most students will have this BIP certified in their diploma supplement, as a minimal condition.
RUN-EU teacher education students.
Please contact your International Office about grants.
Programme at a glance
Introduction to the course, Wicked Problems and the international collaboration process, teams and ways of working.
- 10:00 Welcome to HAMK and orientation
- 12:00 Lunch
- 13:00 Visiting a local vocational institute
- 15:00 end of day reflection
26.1.2027 second day:
- 09:00 welcome, international team building and introduction to Wicked Problems
- 10:00 introduction to Design Thinking and the challenges
- 12:00 lunch
- 13:00 workshop: Empathize – exploring the challenge and stakeholder perspectives
- 15:00 reflection and process documentation
- 16:00 end of the day
27.1.2027 third day:
- 09:00 catch-up from yesterday and sharing insights
- 10:00 workshop: Define – framing the problem
- 12:00 lunch
- 13:00 workshop: Ideate – generating and developing ideas
- 15:00 reflection and planning the next steps
- 16:00 end of the day
28.1.2027 fourth day:
- 09:00 Orientation
- 10:00 Workshop
- 12:00 lunch
- 13:00 Cultural tour
- 15:00 end of day reflection
29.1.2027 fifth day:
- 09:00 Summary of the week
- 11:00 Next steps for online working
- 12:00 lunch
- 13:00 end of week reflection and certificates
Team guidance and development of ideas based on the Design Thinking process.
24 March 2027, 15:00–17:00 EET – Online guidance session 2/2
Team guidance, development of solutions and preparation for the final phase of the process.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
- explain the basic principles of wicked problems and Design Thinking
- explore a complex challenge from different stakeholder and user perspectives
- apply selected Design Thinking methods to empathize, define and ideate
- collaborate in an international and multidisciplinary team
- reflect on the initial stages of the Design Thinking process and identify next steps for further development
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on requirements and submitted applications concerning motivation on the topic. The selection team will also take steps ensuring diversity and representativity. Priority will be given to applicants nominated by the participating partner institutions. The total number of students to be selected is 15.
Involved organisations and persons
Häme University of Applied Sciences
Lead Organisation, Host Organisation- Johanna Ärling (Instructor)
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Partner Organisation- Douwe van der Leij (Instructor)
Technical University of Liberec
Partner Organisation- Magda Nisponska (Instructor)
University of Leiria and Oeste
Partner Organisation- Carla Freire (Instructor)
Other persons involved
- Mari Lounavaara (Lead Instructor)
- Milla-Miia Luosujärvi (Regional Stakeholder)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674
