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Developing systems for vocational teacher qualification improvement

Kaunas 28 June 2007

Kristiina Volmari

Vocational Teacher Qualification Improvement: Conception and experience in

Finland

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Basic ideologies affecting VET teacher education

Little regulation: strong autonomy of institutionsTrust in local actorsClose connection between theory and practiceProminent role of the world of workTeachers reflective practitioners

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How is VET TE regulated in Finland?

Qualification requirements:

Higher education degree3 years of work experience

60 ECTS pedagogical training

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Regulation concerning pedagogical training

1) Studies in pedagogy2) Studies in vocational education &

pedagogy3) Teaching practice4) Other studies

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Instead of regulation – “Self-steering”

Voluntary cooperation between TE institutions= Joint strategy= Regular meetings of directors= Joint 2-day seminar for all staff every yearCompetition for studentsQuality assurance: self-evaluation

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Competences acquired in TE(example HAMK)

1. Developing the self

2. Interaction and communication

3. Vocational pedagogy & instruction

4. Understanding the operational environment

5. Development and change

Competence and qualification in vocational field

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Example of content (HAMK)5. Development and changeThe teacher student can:

research and develop teacher’s work and quality of educationanticipate changes in working life and needs for change understand, initiate and implement change processes, e.g. projects solve problems and make decisions creatively in his/her work acquire and process information of own field and evaluate it critically

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Development of the TE curriculum

Independently by all VET TE institutionsEvery 1-2 yearsAll staff participateSignals from the field: most teacher students already working as teachersSignals from the wider world: R & D prominent part of activities