Introduction - Learning in the Spirit of Erasmus+

These activities are designed in the spirit of Erasmus+, which promotes learning through exchange, collaboration, and openness to diverse perspectives. Since its creation in 1987, the Erasmus programme has enabled students from different countries and academic fields to connect, share ideas, and develop new ways of thinking that extend beyond formal classroom instruction.

One idea often associated with the Erasmus experience is reflected in the spirit of the film L’Auberge Espagnole: each person brings their own contribution, and the richness of the experience depends on the diversity of perspectives present. In an educational context, this concept reflects a learning environment in which knowledge is not only transmitted but co-created through dialogue, interaction, and reflection.

Within the Smart Sustainable Solutions (SUSOL) study programme, this learning approach supports students in connecting their Master’s thesis topics to sustainability challenges, interdisciplinary knowledge, and future professional pathways. The SUSOL Prague Thesis Communication Lab helps students translate their research interests into clear, accessible, and meaningful communication outputs, while recognising that sustainable solutions are developed through collaboration, exchange, and diverse perspectives.

Students will explore how their own academic interests, questions, and perspectives contribute to a shared learning environment. Rather than focusing on a single correct interpretation, the process emphasises how ideas develop when individuals engage with different viewpoints, disciplinary approaches, and cultural contexts.

The structure of the activity supports students in:

• Recognising the value of diverse academic and personal perspectives

• Reflecting on how ideas evolve through dialogue

• Developing confidence in communicating research interests

• Understanding learning as a collaborative process

• Experiencing how European collaboration can expand individual research pathways

The methodology integrates approaches developed across several European educational initiatives, particularly in the areas of non-formal learning, reflective practice, participatory communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Elements of narrative reflection, dialogue-based learning, and creative communication support students in translating complex ideas into accessible forms of expression.

The structure of the activity supports students in:

• Recognising the value of diverse academic and personal perspectives

• Reflecting on how ideas evolve through dialogue

• Developing confidence in communicating research interests

• Understanding learning as a collaborative process

• Experiencing how European collaboration can expand individual research pathways

The methodology integrates approaches developed across several European educational initiatives, particularly in the areas of non-formal learning, reflective practice, participatory communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Elements of narrative reflection, dialogue-based learning, and creative communication support students in translating complex ideas into accessible forms of expression.

Structure of the 2-Day Learning Sequence

The activities are designed as a progressive learning journey moving from reflection to communication and practical application.

Day 1 - Developing the Research Narrative

Students explore how academic interests, motivations, and societal relevance can be translated into a clear research message.

Activities introduce:

• Europe as a shared learning environment shaped through exchange

• IKIGAI reflection connecting interests, strengths, and contribution

• Personal Branding Statement / BB Sentence for academic identity to develop a Master’s Thesis Pitch

• ECOLUTION Lens, linking research motivation, expertise, message, and visual communication context

• Development of one Master’s Thesis Pitch, one LENS video script, and one first-take thesis reel

Estimated duration Day 1: approx. 3 hours

Day 2 - Communicating Research through Participatory Video

Students refine their research message and apply a simple narrative structure to communicate their thesis topic clearly.

Activities introduce:

• The ECOLUTION Researcher’s Journey structure, inspired by the Hero’s Journey, to help students frame their thesis as a clear and engaging research story: Call to Action → Challenge → Exploration → Exchange / Erasmus+ Moment → Insight → Contribution

• A Master’s Thesis Communication Plan, guiding students to define the purpose, audience, key message, format, tone, visual setting, privacy considerations, and intended takeaway of their video

• Participatory video methodology, with emphasis on ethical storytelling, respectful representation, peer support, and responsible use of images, locations, and personal data

• A peer-supported recording process reflecting Erasmus+ collaboration principles

• Practical video guidance on recording and editing videos

• Creation or improvement of a short academic video / Master’s Thesis Reel presenting the student’s thesis topic, research motivation, and potential contribution.

Estimated duration Day 2: approx. 3 hours, including video recording (approx. 2–2.5h)

Overall Learning Methodology

The ECOLUTION learning design applies a competence-based non-formal education methodology, widely used in Erasmus+ projects to support the development of transferable skills, interdisciplinary communication capacities, and reflective learning processes.

EAC adapted this approach for ECOLUTION to complement formal academic education by emphasising active participation, experiential learning, peer exchange, and the practical application of knowledge in real-world contexts.

The pedagogical framework is structured according to an adapted Bloom taxonomy for non-formal education, which distinguishes between the progressive development of Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes. This approach enables learners to move beyond theoretical understanding toward the practical articulation of their research in formats that are accessible to diverse audiences, including interdisciplinary academic communities, innovation ecosystems, and European collaboration networks.

Learning outcomes follow adapted Bloom levels frequently applied in Erasmus+ adult education and higher education innovation projects:

• Knowledge:  Awareness → Comprehension → Application → Analysis → Synthesis → Evaluation → Transfer
• Skills: Observation → Exploration → Assisted Practice → Independent Practice → Routine Practice → Problem Solving → Creative Modification
• Attitudes: Awareness → Consideration → Imitation → Preference → Self-identification → Advocacy → Dissemination

The methodology of the SUSOL Prague Thesis Communication Lab draws on pedagogical approaches developed across previous European collaboration projects and adapted within the ECOLUTION project context.

WOW-ME (Erasmus+ KA210-ADU)

https://wow-me.eu/ 

Project: 2023-2-ES01-KA210-ADU-000183550

Provided the structural foundation for:

• Competence-oriented activity design

• Alignment of learning outcomes with ESCO skills frameworks

• Reflective exercises connecting personal motivation with professional development pathways

• IKIGAI-based reflection supporting articulation of individual strengths and societal contribution

• Structured non-formal learning templates ensuring consistency across activities

HATE-LESS (Erasmus+)

https://hate-less.eu/ 

Project: 2024-1-DE04-KA220-YOU-000244181

Contributed methodological inspiration related to:

• Participatory communication approaches

• Participatory video production

• Inclusive dialogue structures

• Collaborative reflection methodologies

• Learner-centred co-creation processes supporting active knowledge exchange

The participatory video approach applied in ECOLUTION draws from these practices by enabling learners to translate academic research into concise, accessible narratives that can be shared across disciplinary and cultural boundaries.

BB Sentence (EAC & 28DIGITAL collaboration)

https://ea.consulting/generative-ai-in-personal-branding-ea-x-eit-digital/

The BB Sentence (Brief Branding Sentence) framework was developed through collaboration between Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting (EAC) and 28DIGITAL (formerly EIT Digital), focusing on structured communication of expertise, innovation capacity, and research contribution.

The BB Sentence supports learners in articulating:

• The focus of their research

•  The competences applied in their work

•  The potential societal, technological, or scientific contribution of their research

Activity Overview

Main Learning Outputs

Across the two-day SUSOL Prague Thesis Communication Lab, students progressively develop a set of practical communication outputs that support the clear, creative, and responsible presentation of their Master’s thesis. Each output builds on the previous one, moving from reflection and research identity toward a short thesis video and a simple communication strategy.