Understanding Adult Learning (8 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

The purpose of the course

This course will introduce you to the basic concepts of education and the professional terminology used in teachers’ work. Further, you will become familiar with learning as a phenomenon and gain deepened understanding on the different phases of learning process, and their implications on planning, implementation and assessing learning. You will also be able to assess and reflect upon your own learning realistically and justifiy your pedagogical choices. This course is a part of the educational studies of teacher education.

Course competences

In this course you will develop your facilitating learning skills and reflection skills.

Facilitating learning skills consists of:
- Teachers’ theoretical and philosophical understanding of learning.
- Ability to plan, implement and assess meaningful learning processes.
- Take into consideration the diversity of learners.

Reflection skills means teachers’
- Ability to recognise and critically assess their values, attitudes, ethical principles and work methods as a facilitator of learning.

The learning objectives of the course

You will understand the opportunities that studies on adult learning and human development have on facilitating learning. You will be able to follow relevant educational research, and be able to utilise the knowledge of human development and learning in supporting the professional growth of your students and developing your own professional teacher identity.

Content

During this course, you will discover the main theories and concepts of learning, as well as, the significance of educational research in teacher's thinking and practices. You will develop theoretical knowledge and understanding related to the facilitating learning.

Materials

- Lehtinen, E., Vauras, M. & Lerkkanen, M-K. 2016. Kasvatuspsykologia. E-kirja. PS-KustannusTAI
- Rinne, R, Kivirauma, J. & Lehtinen, E. 2015. Johdatus kasvatustieteisiin. E-kirja. PS-kustannus.
- Nivala E. & Saastamoinen M. (toim.). 2010. Nuorisokasvatuksen teoria. Perusteita ja puheenvuoroja (2. painos). E-kirja.

You will find additional learning materials and assignments in the online learning environment.

Teaching methods

Open Studies and Master's Degree education students: You can acquire the competence required in this course by self-directed learning, prescribed reading, online learning sessions and assignments.

During this course collaborative and participatory methods are implemented. The implementation methods deepen your professional competence and the development of your own professional field.

Student workload

In total, the course consists of 216 hours (8 x 27h) of students’ work
- Orientation 6 h
- Self-directed learning in online environment, reading the learning materials, completing the learning assignments 190 h
- Peer tutoring and self-assessment 20 h

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Assessment criteria for an acceptable level are as follows:

Facilitating learning skills
- You are familiar with and understand the basic concepts of education and the professional terminology used in the work of a teacher.
- You are capable of searching for information independently and can find up-to-date sources of information, research and reports important to their own work.
- You are familiar with learning as a phenomenon and receive basic information for planning, implementing and assessing the facilitation of learning.

Reflection skills
- You assess your own learning realistically and with justification.

Qualifications

-

Further information

The assessment is qualitative and is based on learning objectives. The methods for evaluation of the learning process are feedback and self-assessment. Competence assessment is based on criteria and the teacher educator makes the assessment decision once all the learning tasks have been completed. The assessment material consists of the learning tasks of the course and self-assessment tasks.