Pressure Cooker

So, you missed the pressure cooker lunch meetup? No need to worry, we will report on the event for you, right here. You will have to do without the fabulous Max van der Linden, though. Max gave an engaging presentation on how he implemented the method and shared with us some great tips and tricks.

First off, did you know that the pressure cooker method was developed right here at the UvA by the Institute for interdisciplinary studies (IIS)? Going right to the source is only one click away.

Max coordinates the Honors Programme Psychology, in which he implemented the pressure cooker method as a capstone project at the end of year three of the bachelor program.

In a nutshell, the pressure cooker method comprises of a two-day intensive session, spanning from early morning to late in the evening. During these two days, a group of preferably 25-30 students, divided into groups of 5, trie to solve a real-world problem posed by a real external client, being either commercial or non-profit. Gendertalent , for example, presented the challenge of how to help transgenders to function optimally at work. A topic which covers a broad range of subdisciplines within Psychology. We won’t dive into this example for this wrap-up, but Max provided an overview of the pros and cons of using the pressure cooker method. The hard part is finding an external client en and making sure they are properly informed on the possible outcomes of the pressure cooker. You can’t expect groundbreaking solutions, but it also needs to be interesting for a new client.

Students are allowed in advance to prepare for the topic by doing a literature study. As to be prepared when they come in for the weekend. It does take the whole weekend as Max mentioned. Starting early and having breakfast, lunch, and dinner together adds to the experience.

As for the learning goals, they focus on analyzing real-world problems and coming up with and presenting a solution within the set time constraint, hence the pressure. Furthermore, students need to reflect on their role during the work processes.

On the last con, we’re talking about 3000 euro’s to facilitate such an event. Max does indicate that they went all out. Booking CINETOL or DE CEUVEL  as their special location venue ads to the cost but also to the uniqueness of the pressure cooker event. Of course, you can cut the costs by staying on UvA turf.

If you’re interested in doing a pressure cooker session on your own, you can find Max’s presentation here  or read the brochure. But more importantly, IIS can help you set it all up.