Expected Learning Outcomes by Industry for Laboratories at Universities

This paper presents an exploratory study which has the goal of finding learning outcomes desired by the industry for laboratories at universities. To do this, a total of nine industry representatives were interviewed. All of the interviews were recorded, transcribed and inductively coded. The found categories were then combined into larger learning outcomes. Besides confirming some already established learning outcomes, this study found three new learning outcomes: Know Industry Environment, Overview Over Larger Context, and Working Mindset / Soft Skills. In addition, a wish for a laboratory environment where students can experiment more freely was expressed. Since this was a purely qualitative study, the next step should include the validation of how far these learning outcomes are actually desired by students, academia and the industry.