Results of the cooperative learning program at Telemark University College, Norway

In 1982, the forerunner of the engineering school of Telemark University College adapted a version of project based learning program of the Aalborg University as their sole pedagogical method, the Telemark Model. Based on 20 years of positive experience with the Telemark Model, a pioneering project was launched in 2002 on recruitment with graduates from classes at vocational schools. In 2004, a program for student enterprise was added with astounding results. In 2008, the engineering school of Telemark University College was awarded the First Prize for Quality in Education by the Ministry for Education and Research for the development and quality assurance of this project. In addition, their student enterprises have been awarded 30 prizes, including 5 prizes in the European championship contests. After a brief historical presentation, the paper will describe, discuss, and relate the results of the Telemark Model. These results include better recruitment, student retention, improved college finances, and most important - a good academic standard of graduates nationally as well as internationally. Finally, it will be discussed if the sum of these experiences can pave the way from interdisciplinary into transdisciplinary thinking and methods.