Understanding LearningLaajuus (6 cr)

Objective

The purpose of the study unit

This study units will introduce you to the theoretical, ethical, and philosophical principles for vocational learning. Further, you will become familiar with learning as a phenomenon and with the basic concepts and professional terminology of educational science and vocational pedagogy. You will learn how to use this knowledge to analyse and justify your own pedagogical choices. You will also familiarise yourself with the lifeworld of learners at different stages of life and in different operating environments.

Study unit competences

In this study unit, you will promote and develop your professional pedagogical competence and reflection skills.

Professional pedagogical competence refers to the theoretical, ethical, and philosophical principles for vocational competence and learning. It refers to your ability to act in different learning guidance sessions in accordance with the set learning objectives, and the documents that define teaching. It refers to your ability to analyse and justify your own facilitating learning activities.

Reflection skills refer to your ability to recognise and assess your own pedagogical assumptions, and working methods as a facilitator of learning. It refers also to an ability to assess in realistic way your own learning and competence and ability to set new goals as a facilitator of learning.

Learning objectives

In this study unit, you will understand the opportunities that studies on adult learning and human development have on facilitating learning. You will have the ability to identify and critically assess the basic concepts, values, attitudes, ways of thinking and working methods that influence your own teaching and develop these based on the feedback you receive.

Content

During this course, you will discover the main theories and concepts of learning, as well as, the significance of educational research in teacher's thinking and practices. You will develop theoretical knowledge and understanding related to the facilitating learning. You will also familiarise yourself with the lifeworld of learners at different stages of life and in different contexts.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The criteria for assessing the approved level are as follows:

Professional pedagogical skills and knowledge
- You become familiar with the theoretical, ethical and philosophical foundations for vocational learning.
- You are able to analyse and justify your own facilitating learning activities.

Reflection skills
- You assess your pedagogical principles and working methods as a facilitator of learning
- You assess your own learning and competence realistically and with justification.
- You will set yourself new goals as a facilitator of learning.