Euromaths partner Universities in Finland

University of Jyväskylä

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The University of Jyväskylä, situated in Central Finland, is one of the leading research and education institutions in the country with 12 000 students of which approximately 1000 are enrolled in the Teacher Education Department. The number of teaching staff at the University is currently at 600. The University was established as the first Finnish-language teacher training college in 1863 and was granted the status of an institution of higher education in 1934. Today, it is a dynamic multidisciplinary university with seven faculties. More information about the University: www.jyu.fi

Teacher Education at the University of Jyväskylä
Pre-Service Education

The University of Jyväskylä offers courses for teacher qualification at the following school levels: comprehensive school, upper secondary school, kindergarten, vocational institutions, adult education and liberal adult education. Students can also acquire qualification as a special teacher or a teacher using sign language. In addition, teacher education provides a foundation for other posts requiring specific expertise. The Department of Teacher Education forms professionals in teaching, learning, and counselling who will be able to support the students' development in an ethical and cooperative way and strengthen their learning skills in the changing world.

The Department of Teacher Education offers a learning environment in which theory and practice go hand in hand. As well as completing their basic studies, students can select from a variety of minor subjects, in addition to courses offered by the seven faculties of the University. This will allow students to broaden their perspective beyond regular teacher education courses. Teaching practice for future teachers follows an experimental approach, in which teachers research their own work. Teaching sessions which follow the experimental approach provide a way for the students to form their own educational philosophy based on theory and practice. International Dimension and Multiculturalism.

The Department is expanding its international dimension rapidly. International research collaboration, development of teaching, networking, and international student and teacher exchange programmes all enhance multiculturalism. The Department intends to introduce all students of the Department to international activities or education at some point of their studies. Students can, for example, take part in Nordic cooperation, various Socrates programmes, or world-wide research collaboration. As a means to international cooperation, the Department offers courses taught in English, organizes various conferences, and invites visiting foreign lecturers. The curriculum of the Department entails courses in intercultural learning and growth. The content of the courses will be expanded and deepened.

In-Service Education

After taking the Master's degree, an increasing number of students wish to carry on with further studies in order to bring their skills up to date or to acquire teacher qualification in another subject or at another school level. The search for flexible and more broadly-based teaching qualifications presents great challenges for the pre- and in-service education of the Department. The in-service education of the Department aims to provide a flexible format for teachers to upgrade their qualifications. It also serves as a link between pre-service education and a teacher's daily work. The Department is further developing degree-oriented studies which include the in-service education of the individual teacher.

Research and Post-Graduate Studies

The research and post-graduate studies at the Department of Teacher Education focus on the curriculum design and teachers' professional development. The Department has started up a post-graduate programme aimed at professional specialization, continuing to doctoral level. Graduates from other faculties can pursue a doctorate in the Faculty of Education. The Department's main research areas are development of teacher education, selection for teacher education, assessment of teacher quality, international understanding, multiculturalism, and cultural identity, development of educational technology and research relating to special education. Research on the methodologies of particular subjects includes early childhood education and initial teaching pedagogy, natural sciences and environmental research, the teaching and learning of languages, and art, and skill-based subjects.

Persons:

International coordinator
Ritva-Liisa Järvelä
Tel. +358 14 260 1716
Fax +358 14 260 1701
E-mail: jarvela@edu.jyu.fi

International secretary
Anne-Riitta Vanhala
E-mail: avanhala@edu.jyu.fi