Why is it important to bring students of different expertise and from different disciplines together for creating 'good ideas'? This is the fundamental question that Professor Jayanta Chatterjee from the Indian Institute of Technology (ITT) has tackled at the Design Factory of Helsinki's new Aalto University since March '09.

During his sabbatical year, Professor Chatterjee's aim is to develop a manifesto for problem-based learning. Chatterjee has previous experience of project-based and problem-based learning, as well as student-centric learning from various courses in India.

The Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur recently designated an area at the campus for the creation of a Design Village where students may interact with local people, respond creatively to societal needs and ground their solutions in local realities while thinking globally.

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