Developing Academic Professionals through the Finnish Teacher Education Curriculum.

Overview & Synopsis

After Finland's elementary and secondary system was totally reformed in the 1970s, it was determined that the education of elementary and secondary teachers also needed to change. Four new teacher education goals were proposed: (1) developing scientific humanism, (2) creativity, (3) socialization, and (4) a holistic view of individuals. The new plan did not separate general, theoretical, and professional education; it oriented teacher education more toward science and research. Three factors were crucial: integrating theoretical with practical studies; integrating subject studies with pedagogical studies; and preparing prospective teachers to guide the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development of their students. Finland's reformed teacher education now offers comprehensive programs for elementary and subject (secondary) teachers. Both programs lead to a master's degree and are considered academic curricula. Because subject teachers teach subject-specific classes in comprehensive schools, they study two or three subjects and major in one. Since elementary teachers teach all subjects, they major in educational science and learn the basics of all subjects. The teacher education reform has led to a system that does not differ much from the traditional notion of professionalism on the European continent. (SM)