Teacher´s Work EnvironmentLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

During this course, you will familiarise yourself with the teacher's operating environment and its change.Together with your learning circle, you will examine the development of Finnish education and familiarise yourself with the different regulations and documents defining it today. You will also familiarise yourself with the near future’s education policy outlooks and other future prospects related to education.

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

The objective for professional pedagogical skills and knowledge is to learn the theoretical, ethical, and philosophical principles for vocational competence and learning. You will be able to act in different learning guidance sessions in accordance with the set learning objectives, and the documents that define teaching. You will also be able to analyse and justify your own facilitating learning activities.

The objective for future orientation in teacher education is that you are familiar with the history of Finnish vocational education and the current trends. You are also able to perceive upcoming changes to your field and their impact on the future of vocational competencies. You will also understand the opportunities in education for promoting social equality, culture, and sustainable development.

The objective for reflective skills is to be able to recognise and assess one’s pedagogical assumptions, and work methods as facilitators of learning. You will be able to realistically assess your own learning and competence and set yourself new goals as a facilitator of learning.

You are familiar with the developmental phenomena of vocational education and/or higher education. You are familiar with the guidance and planning systems of upper secondary vocational education and higher education as well as the documents that are currently guiding the work of a teacher. You are aware of the directions of educational development in the near future.

Content

The changes that have affected the teacher’s operating environment, the guidance system of vocational education and higher vocational education as well as the strategies, the key policies regarding the future and the legislation regulating the operation of educational institutions. Reflecting on one’s own learning and recording self-evaluations in the learning diary and portfolio.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The criteria for assessing the approved level are as follows:

Professional pedagogical skills and knowledge
- You are familiar with the legislation on vocational and higher education and the significance of its application from the perspective of the student, the work of a teacher, working life development and the education provider.

Future orientation skills
- You are familiar with the future trends of Finnish education.

Reflection skills
- You critically examine changes in a teacher's operating environment at different levels of the education system.