This lecture continues the analyses of education in Finland. There are two major areas in the lecture – educational policy, structures and practices and teachers, teacher education, principals, and principal preparation. In the first part, pay special attention to the question of equality and equity and how Finland has succeeded in taking care of the weakest students. In the section discussing the role of teacher, we learn about the wide responsibility the Finnish teachers possess in conducting their teaching and other duties at school. At the end of the lecture, professor Alava presents new challenges to teachers, teacher education and to principals at schools. The main new challenge he gives to the education is being a strong advocate in creating the future.

Before any lecture either open or save to your computer the assigned PowerPoint presentations.

Assignment before the lecture: none

Open or save the PowerPoint slides related to this lecture EDLS250_S1_L4.pdf​

Listen to the lecture, and afterwards do the assignment given below. (mob version)

Assignment after the lecture:

1. Reflective report. Write your learning experiences into your personal reflective report. Please submit the reflective report for session 1.

2. Discussion. Write to the discussion area about the following topic: What can be done in order that teachers (in your own country) could take stronger role in creating the future in addition to the traditional teaching duties? Please remember to comment at least one other writing in the discussion board.

Submit your reflective report for Session 1 here.

Submit your discussion here.

After completing the assignment you can proceed to Session 2 lecture 1.