Supporting Mathematics Teachers in the United States and Finland Proceedings of a Workshop (2018) / Chapter Skim
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6 Teacher Development in Finland: Recent Trends
6 Teacher Development in Finland: Recent Trends
Pages 37-42
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From page 37... ...
Neményi, 1978) , this method focuses on helping children have authentic mathematics experiences that provide the basis on which they can develop mathematical concepts, progressing step by step from concrete experiences to abstract thinking.1 With this method, teachers engage by using manipulatives that allow students to explore mathematical concepts and encourage them to talk about their mathematical thinking.
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From page 38... ...
Another resource for professional development is the network of 13 regional LUMA Centres, which are located within universities.4 The first LUMA Centre was established at the University of Helsinki in 2003, and the primary mission for this center has been to inspire prospective teachers to study mathematics, science, and technology. LUMA supports teachers' lifelong learning and their own research, and supports science and mathematics learning in many other ways, Partanen noted.
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From page 39... ...
LUMA Centres also conduct research projects related to mathematics education, and the organization has begun developing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and teacher workshops based on LUMA research.
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From page 40... ...
INNOKAS -- A NETWORK OF SCHOOLS Partanen described another development opportunity for teachers in Finland, Innokas, which is a network of 60 schools that are developing innovative education models, particularly in information and communication technology.5 The project, funded by the Finnish National Board of Education, was developed through a collaboration between a learning center at the University of Helsinki and the Koulumestarin elementary school in Espoo. The primary goal of the Innokas project is to encourage creativity and innovation in the use of technology by supporting children and teachers directly and also supporting collaboration among the schools.6 Projects at these schools include activities, such as clubs for the children and participation in national robotics competitions, as well as in-service training for teachers; there is a particular focus in robotics.
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From page 41... ...
Many course options are available for free or for a very low fee, another participant noted, but the biggest expense is the payment for the substitute teachers who make it possible for regular teachers to leave their classes. "Many teachers want to learn and benefit from these kinds of professional development programs," one noted, but whether it is possible "depends on individuals and the circumstances." MOOCs and weekend options are important flexible alternatives, and "more MOOCs are coming available," another participant added.
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From page 42... ...
Teachers are involved in translating the general national curriculum into the specifics that will be taught at the municipal and school level, one person commented, and that is an important training opportunity.
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