“Shaping the Future of Learning” is an ENGAGE.EU Signature Course jointly offered by the University of Mannheim, WU Vienna, and the University of St. Gallen. The course addresses current trans­formations in management education, corporate learning, and business education against the backdrop of technological, pedagogical, and societal change.

Students analyze and compare concepts such as digital and hybrid learning architectures, AI-supported teaching and assessment, competency-based curricula, micro-credentialing, lifelong learning pathways, and institutional changes in higher and corporate education systems.

Working in international, cross-university groups, students conduct small research projects on selected contemporary challenges in management education. They develop research questions, apply suitable methodological approaches, present interim findings, and synthesize insights for their final presentation. The course thereby strengthens both academic research skills and intercultural collaboration competencies.

The seminar integrates:

• methodological inputs on educational research and data analysis,
• international teamwork supported by digital collaboration platforms,
• opportunities for consultation and individual coaching,
• structured interim feedback rounds, and
• guided reflection on the implications of research findings for the future of learning.

Course Outline

The seminar is structured into three collaborative international learning (COIL) sessions conducted in a hybrid format (each 180 minutes) where students and lectures of the participating universities meet online. These three COIL sessions are complemented by group work phases and optional coaching meetings.

Session 1 – Introduction & Research Design (early March)

• Welcome and course introduction
• Input: Current trans­itions in management and business education
• Methodological input: Designing  educational research projects
• Formation of international working groups
• Topic identification and refinement

Session 2 – Interim Presentation & Methodological Deep Dive (mid April)

• Interim group presentations on research progress
• Feedback and discussion across institutions
• Additional methodological input: preparing and visualizing research results; academic writing
• Work on the research design

Session 3 – Final Presentations & Reflection (early May)

• Final group presentations of research findings
• Feedback from instructors and peers
• Reflective session: insights, implications, and future directions
• Information about optional individual coaching/consultation meetings

Additional consultations with instructors (e.g., via virtual campus at WU) are available.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the seminar, students will be able to:

• Analyze current international developments and trends in management, business, and corporate education.
• Design and conduct small research projects, including topic identification, research-question formulation, and selection of appropriate methods.
• Synthesize empirical findings and critically interpret their implications for educational practice in universities and corporate learning environments.
• Develop evidence-informed recommendations for shaping the future of learning.
• Collaborate effectively in international teams using digital tools and intercultural communication strategies.
• Present research results clearly, academically, and professionally.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites, except for the respective application/registration process of each university.

A background in business education, management studies, or related fields is helpful. Prior experience with academic writing or empirical methods is advantageous but not required.

Registration & Application

(Details differ by university; apply via your home institution.)

University of Mannheim

• Registration via Portal2 (general university deadlines apply)
• Submission of CV and a short motivational letter (max. 100 words)
• Course capacity: 10–15 students (per program)
• Deregistration rules follow Portal2 guidelines

WU Vienna

• Mandatory seminar within the Master in Economic and Business Education
• Registration via WU procedures (see WU website)
• Expected capacity: 20–25 students

University of St. Gallen

• Elective seminar within the Master in Economic and Business Education
• Registration via St. Gallen course booking system
• Expected capacity: 10–15 students

Please refer to your home university’s website for the exact process, deadlines, and applicable regulations.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory at all three COIL block sessions.

Students must attend the sessions online (medical exceptions possible). Zoom links and exact technical arrangements will be announced in advance.

Place and Time

(Provisional; subject to change until end of HWS 2025)

• Session 1: early March (180 minutes)
• Session 2: mid April (180 minutes)
• Session 3: early May (180 minutes

Zoomlinks will be published via the respective university systems.