Education and the Basics of Pedagogy (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing the course, the teacher student is able to
• define the basic concepts and phenomena of pedagogy and pedagogical research, and explain learning based on these
• describe various concepts of learning and use related information as a basis for education, teaching and guidance activities
• explain the significance of a person’s growth and course of life in the learning and education of students of various ages
• assess the philosophical and historical background of pedagogy and the significance and topicality thereof in the changes in their own ideas about education and in their operating environment
• analyse the pedagogical purposes of the education system, and assess their own influencing opportunities in society as an educator.

Content (course unit)

During the course, we will seek to answer the following questions:
• What is pedagogy, and how is it structured in pedagogical literature and research?
• How are different conceptions of learning related to pedagogy?
• How are growth, development and learning formed in various stages of age and life?
• How have views of pedagogy and learning changed?
• How are pedagogy and education connected to society?

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Knowing:
Structuring the relationships between the phenomena and concepts covered during the course. Applying, explaining, comparing, and analysing contents from the viewpoint of a vocational teacher.
Teacher Student:
* Knows the basic concepts of education and pedagogy
* Describes human development and life span
* Knows the philosophical and historical backgrounds of education
* Knows the responsibilities and goals of education in society

Doing:
Being able to plan and choose suitable methods for their work and justify their choices as a vocational teacher. Applying the theory taught in the course when solving challenges and using the possibilities offered by the theory base in their work.
Teacher Student:
* Applies different conceptions of learning in teaching and learning in their own field
* Evaluates the philosophical and historical approaches of education from a contemporary teacher’s viewpoint
* Makes visible their own possibilities as a teacher for influencing society and individuals

Developing as a teacher:
Giving and receiving active and constructive feedback. Evaluating issues from their own and their community’s viewpoints. Collaborating responsibly and being ready to develop communication skills. Recognising and following the ethical principles of a teacher’s work. Describing and evaluating the economical and wellbeing promoting impact of their actions.
* Reflects on their own role as an educator based on the ethical principles of teachers
* Evaluates their own actions and possibilities as an educator to influence society.

Location and time

Moodle learning environment.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

The course consists of self-study material, such as video lectures, literature and other relevant resources linked in the Moodle learning environment. The course is organized around themes, each of which contains a study task supported by resources, facilitation and in some cases discussions. There are no synchronous sessions in this course.

Learning materials

All study material is available in the Moodle learning environment.