In each CBL course, there is one main actor linked to the challenge topic, who is directly involved with the core-team organising the CBL course, the learners and their progress on the project. This person is known as the Challenge Agent.

Characteristics

Knowing the role and expectations of a challenge agent, it is possible to already think of possible characteristics and requirements for choosing a proper agent.

• Key areas of interest: A suitable challenge agent would be aligned with the vision of the alliance, which focuses on two main themes: Preventive Health and Circular Safe Society. Stakeholders sharing these interests would be appropriate to sound out as potential challenge agents.
  
• Shared Values: One very important requirement for a future close collaboration is having similar views and accordance on the educational values and principles, based on which we would like to develop our learners into future professionals. Common respect and support on the goals and actions of both parties, are essential for a successful cooperation and low chance of misunderstandings (Savage et al., 1991).
  
• Shared Expectations: It is essential to agree on expectations at the start of the collaboration around aspects, such as time and resource investment required throughout the collaboration.

Tasks & responsibilities 

Alongside defining the challenge, the challenge agent should be available throughout the course to provide resources, guidance and, most importantly, feedback on learner progress and results. Together with the coordinator and the rest of the academic staff and experts, the challenge agent is essential in advising the learners in the context of solving the challenge.

Click on the file below to find all the information for the tasks and responsibilities of the challenge provider in each phase of the CBL course.