Project description and activities
Description
The teachers, researchers and developers participating in the project make up a network, which has joint meetings on a regular basis. The network activities include e.g.
- expert presentations on learning, expertise and the development of generic working life skills as well as further discussion based on the presentations
- presentations of promising study modules, courses and admission tests with relevant discussions
- making use of web tools (e.g. Peda-Forum’s pedagogical memory; e-mail lists; discussion groups) in developing and documenting study modules
- reviews of teaching experiments and collection of research findings
- dissemination of experiences and research knowledge in different forums (e.g. domestic and international academic publications and congresses; Peda-Forum Magazine, Peda-Forum’s pedagogical memory, websites)
The purpose is to find participants from such university departments that have already developed admission tests and carried out study modules that integrate working life skills with theoretical knowledge. Likewise, we also welcome partners who are just planning to do so. At least the following bodies have already promised to participate in the project:
- University of Jyväskylä: Department of Teacher Education, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (e.g. Project studies in Information Systems), Department of Languages, and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
- University of Tampere: Academic Development Unit, Department of Teacher Education, School of Medicine
- Tampere University of Technology: Student Services, several departments
- University of Helsinki: Centre for Development and Research of Higher Education, Department of Education
Activities
The learning Network for Working Life Competencies in Academic Studies (TAO ) set out in October 2008. In the start-up seminar the project’s operational idea and co-operation prospects were presented. The presentations of that seminar are available in the Meeting materials section.
The Learning Network has been going on in the form of spring and autumn seminars. Network meetings have offered productive breaks between the normal duties of teachers, researchers and developers– it has been nice to sit down for a while to listen and learn about successful experiences and good practicesof other people. The seminar participants have themselves collected ideas for the next meeting and most often also proposed speakers to introduce particular themes. Most seminar presentations are available by clicking the Meeting Materials bar.
The purpose of the project is to develop such practices for admission tests and pedagogical activities that will be taken in permanent use. Above all, the project seeks to contribute to the staff training and broader pedagogic strategies of the participating universities.
The purpose is also to keep publishing relevant research findings gained during the project in national and international academic publications and conferences. This material has also been used in various presentations and commentaries. We will also seek to publish well-proven practices and related research findings in different university journals and teachers’ trade publications and also present them at various events dealing with higher education pedagogy, such as the annual Peda-Forum Days. In addition, publicity will be sought through newspapers and magazines. The study modules implemented within this project are to be presented at our website.
