Exploring the research-based approach of academic classroom teachers in Finland

ABSTRACT

Teacher education in Finland has followed a research-based approach for decades, but the approach has rarely been investigated from the viewpoint of in-service teachers. This study explores how in-service teachers experienced the meaning of educational science, research and theory (ESRT) and how teachers engage with educational research as part of their work. Using a phenomenologically oriented analytical approach, the informants were grouped into three categories. In the first category, teachers understood the meaning of ESRT broadly, whereas those in the second group viewed the meaning as primarily instrumental, and those in the third group considered it insignificant. The informants reportedly engage with educational research only rarely due to a lack of time and opportunities, and the fact that their working conditions do not support a research-based work orientation. This should be noted when developing both initial and in-service teacher education.

KEYWORDS:

• Teacher education
• research-based approach
• educational theory
• theory and practice

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anna Koski

Anna Koski is a PhD student at the University of Helsinki. Her research interests include academic teacher education and teaching as a research-based profession.

Mikko Puustinen

Mikko Puustinen, PhD, is a university lecturer in history and social studies education at the University of Helsinki. His research interests include history and social studies education and teacher education.

Janne Säntti

Janne Säntti PhD, is a university lecturer in pedagogical studies for adult education at the University of Helsinki, and associate professor in educational sciences. His main research interests include Finnish teacher education in post-war Finland, especially the formation of academic teacher education in Finland. He is also interested in digitalisation and rhetoric analysis.

Jari Salminen

Jari Salminen, PhD, is a university lecturer in history and social studies education at the University of Helsinki.