Sustainable Development and Environmental Education –

Studies and Research in Teacher and Science Education in the University of Oulu 

 1)    Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education

 

1a) Studies and International projects in Environmental Education at the Faculty of Education in the University of Oulu

 

In the University of Oulu, environmental education and research has been a core area since 2001. Multi-scientific environmental studies and research is carried out in every faculty. Technology, Society, Economy, Science, People and Health are the main issues to study and investigate. The strategy of environmental education includes both cognitive and affective education in individual and group education.

   At teacher education in the University of Oulu, the environmental education started over twenty years ago. Nowadays, students from different faculties and the Open University of Oulu can participate in the courses in environmental education. The main aim is to form a holistic conception of the environmental situation and environmental threats at local, regional and global levels. Reflecting their own action, the students develop their willingness and readiness to work for a better environment.

   In the curriculum of teacher education, the basic level consists of 25 credit points and is divided to three modules: Nature environment (9 credit points), Pedagogical and psychological environment (8 credit points) and Social environment (8 credit points). In the Nature environment module, the students investigate environmental threats by problem-based learning using traditional methods, Internet and distant learning environments during contact and distant learning periods. The aim is to observe and reflect attitudes and actions, and to understand the relationship between human beings and nature. In the Pedagogical and psychological environment module, the students investigate effects of human beings on nature. Through ethical discussions and aesthetic observations, they foster sensitivity and develop skills to observe environmental changes critically, and willingness to work for a better environment. In the Social environment module, the aim is to form an idea of an active citizen and attain readiness to participate in social decision-making. In all three modules, the students also study values education and problem-based methods and discuss how to teach environmental topics at different school levels.

The intermediate level consists of 35 credit points, and its aim is that students familiarize themselves with the social and the political history of environmental questions. All the courses at the intermediate level include contact lessons and distance work based on literature. The courses are: History in environmental research, Modern environmental research, Methodology of environmental research, Environmental awareness and environmental politics, Opportunities of environmental education, Environmental psychology, Environmental philosophy and Seminar. Environmental psychology and philosophy are alternative courses. In the Seminar, students write a research report on the topic “People, nature and the environment”.

At the advanced level, studies are 50 credit points. The students can choose courses in social studies or environmental pedagogy and in environmental philosophy, sociology or psychology. In addition to these courses, they have literature exams and a graduate thesis about an environmental theme  

Evaluation is goal-oriented, many-sided and situational at all levels and courses. In addition to a product-evaluation, process-evaluation involving all participants is used. The student teachers and teachers have been satisfied with the program. They have written in their study diaries and in their answers to the questionnaires, that the program is very useful and the ideas from it suit both individual and group learning in schools. During the course, they have got a more holistic and analytic conception of the environment. Their sensitivity, awareness, knowledge, readiness and responsibility have increased. And because they have understood how vulnerable the Northern nature is, they have changed their action in everyday life. They recycle more paper, glassware, plastic ware, batteries and waste than earlier, both at home and at workplaces. They have reduced consumption and they compost biowaste and save energy. They are more interested in environmental news and follow mass media more regularly. They have also participated more eagerly in decision-making in their own village or town. In schools, teachers have changed curricula, and environmental education has been included more carefully into teaching and learning processes than earlier.

   During the last ten years, student teachers have also participated in international environmental projects (Table 5). The key aims of the projects have been to promote the European Dimension and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools and in teacher education across Europe when developing curricula, materials and methods in Biology, Geography and Environmental Education.

 

Table 5. International projects in Environmental Education in teacher education in the Department of Teacher Education and Educational Sciences (Areas of Research)

 

2003 onwards

Thematic Network, Hero(dot)net. Liverpool Hope University, UK. Partner. http://www.zgis.at/herodotnet/

2002 onwards

Alka – Naturfagene I läraruddannelsen, kompetencer og almendannelse.  Nordplus. Jelling CVU Jelling, Denmark. Partner.
http://www.nordplus-alka.dk/

2001-2004

HERO(dot)eNEWS, European Environmental News, 90199-CP-1-2001-1-FI-MINERVA –M. Main Co-ordinator. 
www.e4news.net

2000 onwards

NordMiPe, Nordisk Miljöpedagogik. Nordplus. Åbo Akademi, Vasa, Finland. Partner. http://www.vasa.abo.fi/users/ipalmber/MiPeNatverk.htm

1998-2001

ESPACE European System for Particle and Astrophysics Cyber Education. (Socrates, Comenius 3.1.) Partner.
http://cdfinfo.in2p3.fr/~bellefon/CD-Espace/

1998-2000  

HERODOT Using the Web in Teaching Geography (Socrates, Open and
Distance Learning ODL). Partner.

1998

EuMEDEA . On-line Teacher Training Course on Environmental Education (Socrates, Erasmus Programme) Partner. 
http://www.itc.staranzano.go.it/progetti/eumedea/index.htm

1997-1999

ECOSCHOOL (Socrates, Erasmus, European Module, EM).  Project leader. 
http://www.pa-linz.ac.at/Institut/igw/ecoschool/ecoschool.htm

1997-1999

TNTEE Thematic network on Teacher Education in Europe (Socrates, Erasmus Programme). Partner.
http://tntee.umu.se/publications/v2n1/pdf/contr.pdf

1996-1999

EUROLAND Trans-national Co-operation Project (Socrates, Comenius Action 3.1). Partner.
http://www.shu.ac.uk/schools/ed/pentecprojectsdetail.html

1996

TRIPPLE A (ICP-96-A-5005/05). Partner.

1996

PHARE. International Workshop on Environmental Education in Central and Eastern European  universities: Experience and Challenge. Education Programme for Environmentally Sustainable Development. Project: Pedagogical Faculty. April 15 – 16, 1996. Prague, Czech Republic.

 

These kinds projects change the roles of teachers and students. They open new kinds of possibilities for interaction and relationships between students and experts, deepening and broadening teaching and learning processes. Theoretical information is tied to interesting and illustrative problems through authentic examples. A student is not anymore an object for teaching; he or she is a subject that goes ahead from simple to complicated tasks under scaffolding guidelines of experts. Teachers, for their part, are facing a period of rapidly changing skill requirements, rising expectations, and high levels of investment, scrutiny and accountability (Simpson et al., 1999). A full and active role for the teacher is envisaged that involves the introduction and structuring of activities for the whole class, monitoring group activities, intervening with individuals and small groups and drawing the class together in a group discussion where appropriate (Hudson et al., 2001).

 

 1b) WomenIT - Women in Industry and Technology

http://www.womenit.info/subproject3.php

WomenIT - Women in Industry and Technology 2001 - 2006 är ett av Uleåborgs universitet, Kajana universitetscenter planerat, administrerat och koordinerat utbildnings-, forsknings- och utvecklingsprojekt som finansierades av gemenskapsinitiativet Equal inom Europeiska Socialfonden (ESF). Projektet genomfördes åren 2001 - 2006 och dess syfte är att åtgärda arbetslivets indelning i könsrelaterade kvinnliga och manliga yrken och arbetsuppgifter. Tyngdpunkten i verksamheten var att stöda flickor och kvinnor i fråga om teknologi och teknologibranscher och uppmuntra dem att gå vidare i karriären.

Projektet WomenIT har som mål att på riksnivå och Europanivå påverka de strukturer och verksamhetsmodeller som upprätthåller indelningen i könsrelaterade yrken och arbetsuppgifter för män och kvinnor och samtidigt förorsakar ojämlikhet inom övriga områden i samhället. Verksamhetsmiljön för projektet WomenIT utgjordes av daghem, skolor, andra stadiets läroverk, yrkeshögskolor, universitet, företag och arbetsmarknadsorganisationer. Inom dessa organisationer verkade inalles drygt 40 olika klubbar och kurser, utbildnings-, forsknings- och utvecklingsaktiviteter. Verksamhetsområdet bestod huvudsakligen av regioner i Kainuu och Norra Österbotten samt Villmanstrand.

Projektet fördelades på tre delprojekt. Det första omfattade förutom projektets helhetskoordinering och styrning även forskning och utveckling samt produktion av material. Det andra delprojektet omfattade arbetslivssektorn och inom ramen för detta utarbetades modeller för nya metoder inom studiehandledning och yrkesvägledning, rekrytering, utbildning som syftar till omskolning, samt företagar- och ledarutbildning för kvinnor och flickor. Det tredje delprojektet som omfattade den pedagogiska sektorn och utbildningssektorn var inriktat på att utarbeta nya och bättre kurser i synnerhet i anslutning till naturvetenskaper och teknologi, att förbättra undervisningens innehåll och undervisningsmetoderna. Inom ramen för projektet företogs utvecklings- och forskningsarbete också i internationellt samarbete.

 Work Group 3B - LOWER AND UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The work group is formed by partners whose operating environment is primary, lower or upper secondary school in the region of Kainuu.

Operating environment B is participated by the following partners:

The work plans of the partners include the development of technology and communications education as well as mathematical and natural sciences in the context of lower secondary and upper secondary schools. In the development work, they take the gender sensitive and desegregated point of view into consideration as well as sustainable development.

The common development tasks of work group B are:

1.      Methods of desegregated and gender sensitive technology education in lower and upper secondary school context
2. Gender sensitive pedagogy and guidance
3. Development of gender sensitive natural sciences and mathematical subjects (contents, methods)
4. Sustainable development

Work Group 3C - UPPER SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTES AS OPERATING ENVIRONMENTS

The work group consists of partners whose operating environment is upper secondary school or secondary or higher level of vocational training in the regions of Oulu and Raahe.
The participants of work group C are the following partners:

The work plans of the partners contain the development and support of mathematical and natural sciences subjects in the context of upper secondary and vocational training environment. In the development work, they take the gender sensitive and desegregated point of view into consideration as well as sustainable development.

The common development tasks of work group 3C are:

1. Development of gender sensitive natural sciences and mathematical subjects (contents, methods)
2. Gender sensitive pedagogy and guidance
3. Sustainable development

2) Courses within the following non-degree programmes are open for all international and Finnish students regardless of their own field of study.

a) Scandinavian Studies Programme

http://www.oulu.fi/intl/scandi/index.html

Scandinavian Studies Programme is an introductory level programme that has been developed in co-operation with The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), USA, and is designed to give the participants a broad overview of Scandinavian history, culture and everyday life. The courses (3 US semester hours each) include studies in the fields of Language, History, Social Studies, Cultural Studies, Fine Arts, and Natural Sciences. Participants include international students from different countries.

b) Northern Nature and Environment Studies

 
http://cc.oulu.fi/%7Ebiolwww/nne/

 
Northern Nature and Environment Studies, arranged by the Faculty of Science, provides a solid introduction to the northern ecosystems and their functioning, and the fauna, flora, vegetation as well as physical and human geography of Finland and Northern Scandinavia. Presenting man and Nordic geography, nature and its biodiversity, and genetic adaptation to the north, the programme consists of lectures, courses and seminars held in Oulu and field course arranged at the University's biological stations in Northern Finland.

Participants collect 10-30 credits (15-45 ECTS) from the different subject areas according to their own interests and periods of stay. Participants include both Finnish and European / American students (SOCRATES/ERASMUS, ISEP, NORDPLUS, TEMPUS exchange students)

The programme is intended for students who have studied for two years or more biology.

c) Northern Exposure, Summer School in Botany

 

http://cc.oulu.fi/%7Ebiolwww/nne/

 

This programme, arranged by the Faculty of Science, provides a solid introduction to the northern ecosystems and their functioning, and the fauna, flora, vegetation as well as physical and human geography of Finland and Northern Scandinavia. Presenting man and Nordic geography, nature and its biodiversity, and genetic adaptation to the north, the programme consists of lectures, courses and seminars held in Oulu and field course arranged at the University's biological stations in Northern Finland.

Participants collect 10-30 credits (15-45 ECTS) from the different subject areas according to their own interests and periods of stay. Participants include both Finnish and European / American students (SOCRATES/ERASMUS, ISEP, NORDPLUS, TEMPUS exchange students)

The programme is intended for students who have studied for two years or more biology.

 

3) Multidisciplinary environmental studies

 

http://thule.oulu.fi/englanti/studies.html

 

  Research articles 2004-2006


2006:


Understanding of some general concepts: Transformation of substances.

Gedrovics, J. Jeronen, E., Kuusela, T. Wäreborn, I.

One of the general problems within Science Education for different students at comprehensive school is understanding of nature of different physical and chemical transformations (phase transitions and chemical reactions). Without bright picture about fundamental differencies on atomical level it is not possible in the future to follow general rules of chemical reactions between different substances as well as to understand the use of different materials in the peoples’ life.
The research took place in different schools in Sweden, Finland and Latvia during 1997/1998 and and then repeatedly in 2004/2005. The respondents [students from 9 and 11 (Gy2) form] was asked to fill in a questionnaire what aimed to study pupils’ understanding of different kinds of transformations such as burning, corrosion, boiling, melting, as well as other different  processes such as production of iron, photosynthesis, crystal growth, destruction of balloon.

The results testifies that basic level of knowledge and understanding of essence of chemical reactions in the periode 1997 - 2005 has been slightly increased in Latvia, although the most greater increment has done by girls, while Latvian boys has showed lower results. The total level of knowledge showed by Swedish students, has been remarkably decreased. The Finnish students, both girls and boys, have considerably higher level of knowledge in 2005 as in 1997. But in all cases the diference between boys and girls knowledge level has been diminished.

The general results testify that understanding of nature of phase transitions and chemical reactions is still now insufficient especially att the level of the 9th form.

(In: Konferences “Kīmijas izglītība skolā - 2006” Rakstu Krjums. 60.l pp. Riga, 2006. gada 5. oktobris.  LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. Kimijas didaktikas centrs. Latvijas Universitāte. Latvijas Republicas Izglītības un zinātnes ministraja. Summary in English p. 60.)

Tieto- ja viestintätekniikan haasteet ja mahdollisuudet opettajankoulutuksessa ja koulussa – erityistapauksena biologia ja maantiede.
Jeronen, E.

Tiivistelmä

Opettajakuvissa on tapahtunut voimakasta muuttumista viimeisten vuosikymmen-ten aikana. Opettaja voi tunnustautua virkamiesopettajaksi tai opetusteknikoksi enää vain oman mielensä salaisissa sopukoissa. Nykyisin on oltava tiedostava yh-teiskunnallinen vaikuttaja sekä kasvattajatietoinen ja didaktisesti ajatteleva opet-taja, joka jatkuvasti reflektoi ja tutkii omaa toimintaansa ja kehittää ammattitai-toaan tutustumalla postmodernismin, yrittäjyyden, ekofilosofian, monikulttuurisuu-den ja monien muiden suuntauksien saloihin jopa omalla kustannuksellaan ja loma-aikanaan (vrt. Kuikka, 2001). Seurauksena on ollut, että tutkimusten mukaan opettajat ovat uupuneita, väsyneitä ja kyynistyneitä koulun arjessa (Syrjäläinen, 2001). Samanaikaisesti tieto- ja viestintätekniikkaa (tvt:aa) tuodaan voimakkaasti mukaan opetukseen ja opiskeluun. Tässä artikkelissa tarkastellaan tvt:n opettajan-koulutukselle ja koululle asettamia haasteita ja mahdollisuuksia etenkin biologian ja maantieteen opettajankoulutuksen näkökulmasta.

(Teoksessa M. Lehtonen, S. Marttila & J. Soronen (toim). Missä on tahtoa – siinä on tie. Oulun yliopiston opetuksen kehittämisyksikön julkaisuja. Dialogeja 7. University of Oulu. Publications of Teaching Development Unit. Dialogies 7, 122-131.)  http://www.oulu.fi/opetkeh/julkaisu/dialogeja/index.html

Science subjects choice as a criterion of students´attitudes to science.

Gedrovics, J., Wäreborn, I. & Jeronen, E.


Abstract.
The attitudes of lower and upper secondary school students (the 9-11th forms, aged 15-17, boys and girls separately) toward natural sciences were investigated by using an inquiry method in Sweden, Finland and Latvia during 1998-2005. Results of this study show, that positive attitudes have decreased from 1998 to 2005 at the 9th form both in Latvia and in Sweden. In Finland, an increase among boys, who recognize subjects of the natural circle (except for General Science) as necessary, was observed. The number of positive answers of the Finnish girls was, however, in 2005 much smaller than in 1998.

In a special investigation in Latvia was shown, that generally the least interest in the Natural subjects is observed among the 11th formers.
The findings of this study indicate increased quantity of the respondents denying the importance of natural sciences as a whole, as well as overt difference between boys and girls in estimations of the importance of natural sciences.

Key words: attitude to science, natural subjects, gender, differences, survey.

(Journal of Baltic Science Education, JBSE 2006, 1(9), p. 74-85. ISSN 1648-3898.)

Roles of subject teachers – Preconceptions of student teachers in Biology and Geography teacher education

Jeronen, E., Udd, K. & Jeronen, J.  

Abstract. At the beginning of pedagogical studies, the development to become a teacher has started. The roles of the teacher and the student seem simple and straightforward, but to be a successful teacher, there are ambiguous areas in the relationship that one needs to define. This article aims to describe what kinds of conceptions on the roles of subject teachers the Biology and Geography student teachers have at the beginning of their pedagogical studies. The resultant data from this qualitative case study is based on essays about roles of subject teachers written by 98 student teachers in 2001-2005. The data was analyzed using inductive and deductive content analysis methods. Based on the results, the most important roles of subject teachers are “teacher” and “educator”. Ideas of supporting independent thinking skills, fostering autonomous action and avoidance of manipulation and indoctrination belong to the teacher role. Serving as a good model, guiding of social development of pupils, taking into account opinions of the pupils, teaching of respect for norms and creating positive learning environments are examples of an educator role emphasized by the student teachers. An “authority” teacher role was valued only by one tenth of the student teachers. No new roles were found in the research. However, when applying new curricula, especially in ICT education, teachers need new roles. If teacher educators want to support teachers, they must develop, use and emphasize strategies which support student teachers to adopt new teacher roles.

Key words: educational role, instructive role, authority role, pedagogical studies

(In P. Nielsen (Red.) Innovation og aflæring 2 bog. Den 9. nordiske læraruddannelsekongres, Färöerna – maj 2006. 138-149.)

http://www.helsinki.fi/sokla/ad2006/AD_ohjelma_abstraktit.pdf

Oppilaiden erityistarpeiden huomioonottaminen ympäristöopetuksessa – esimerkkinä karttaopetus.  

Jeronen, E. & Kaikkonen, M.

Tiivistelmä

Tässä artikkelissa käsitellään oppilaiden erityistarpeiden huomioonottamista ympäristöopetuksessa vuosiluokilla 16. Artikkelin tarkoituksena on lisätä opettajien ympäristötietoisuutta ja tarjota virikkeitä kestävien toimintatapojen sisällyttämiseksi opetukseen. Aluksi tarkastellaan ympäristökasvatuksen ja kestävän kehityksen välisiä suhteita. Sitten selvitetään käsityksiä siitä, miten erilaiset oppilaat ja heidän erityistarpeensa voidaan ottaa huomioon luonnontieteissä. Sen jälkeen kuvataan Oulun normaalikoulun 16 vuosiluokkien opetussuunnitelman pohjalta tapahtuvaa ympäristökasvatuksellista eriyttämistä ympäristö- ja luonnontiedossa sekä biologiassa ja maantiedossa esimerkkinä karttaopetus. Lopuksi pohditaan, miten oppilaiden erityistarpeet voitaisiin ottaa huomioon kestävään elämäntapaan suuntaavassa ympäristö- ja luonnontiedon sekä biologian ja maantiedon opetuksessa.

 Avainsanat: ympäristökasvatus, kestävä kehitys, eriyttäminen, perusopetus, opettajakoulutus, ympäristö- ja luonnontieto, biologia ja maantieto

(Teoksessa: Tutkimusperustainen opettajankoulutus ja kestävä kehitys. Ainedidaktinen symposiumi 3.2.2006 Helsingissä. Käsiohjelma ja abstraktit. 58. Soveltavan kasvatustieteen laitos, Käyttäytymistieteellinen tiedekunta. Helsingin yliopisto: Yliopistopaino.)

Young People´s Values and Geographical Education in an Upper Secondary School and a Department of Teacher Education in Northern Finland

Jeronen, E., Anttila-Muilu, S. & Jeronen, J.

Abstract.  This study arose from the findings made by certain Finnish researchers who identified that today young Finnish people develop only situational values instead of core values, that the Finnish school system teaches relativistic truth and that young people perceive their values and moral principles individually. Education is an important factor in developing value and world conceptions. Hence the study is a values´ educational and didactical case study. The first research question was what kinds of values young people in Northern Finland have. The second question was what kinds of values have been included in the Geography curricula for upper secondary schools and teacher education. The first part of the resultant data is based on questionnaires completed by 75 upper secondary students, 79 class student-teachers and 22 biology and geography student-teachers in autumn 2005. The second part is based on the texts of the Finnish national core curriculum for upper secondary schools and of the curricula for class-teacher and subject teacher education in the Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education in the University of Oulu (UO). The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using both deductive and inductive methods. According to the results, the most important values of the secondary school students and the student-teachers are health, friendship and love. In the Geography core curriculum for secondary schools and the curricula for teacher education environmental and development issues were considered to be worthwhile in order to develop ethical, intellectual, biological, aesthetic and theoretical values. In the article, we describe relationships between the values and views of the world of the students and student-teachers. In addition, we present some suggestions how curricula could be developed towards sustainable development and ethical education in geography.

Keywords: Education for sustainable development, ethical education, views of the world, curriculum development.
(The 2006 Symposium on Geographical Education of the International Geographical Union and the International Cartographic Association. Brisbane Australia. 26th June-2nd July 2006.)

2005:

Research attitude and ethics-conceptions of engineering students

Eila Jeronen, Esa Turpeinen, Mika Huuhtanen, Jenni Ylä-Mella, Riitta Keiski

Abstract. The aim of this qualitative case study is to clarify research attitudes and ethics-conceptions of engineering students. A practical aim is to fulfill the goals set by the Bologna process for the researcher education in the Master’s level. A total of 64 students  participated in the research methodology course in 2002-2005. According to the mixed methods approach, the resultant data is based on questionnaires, digital portfolios and study diaries and it was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively by using inductive and deductive content analysis methods. The interpretation is focused on the most typical and the most exceptional conceptions of the students. The students’ conceptions about research work and acting as a researcher were deepened both on the general and especially on the detailed, cognitive, affective and social levels during the course. The conceptions were broaden from ethical rules to the conceptions where ethics seemed to form a basis of thinking and acting both in research work and in every day life. Consequently, the students’ awareness about the importance of ethical principles was increased. The students expressed that ethical education, as a part of research course is useful because it helps them to achieve aims, to gather information, and to foster interest in research. However, it is impossible to draw any long-run conclusions, due to the results being based on a small number of students and the short length of the study period. To confirm whether there were real changes in students’ attitudes and conceptions, further research is needed.

Keywords: Engineering education, ethical education, ethical awareness, researcher education

http://www.eadtu.nl/conference-2005/abstracts/a_Eila_Jeronen.asp

Effective Practices in Distance Education in Upper Secondary Level Geography in Finland.

Jeronen, E. & Anttila-Muilu, S.   

 
Abstract. During the last decade, there have been large changes in the society and the school system in Finland. This article briefly describes the curriculum for upper secondary school geography, to be introduced by the 1st of August 2005. In the new curriculum, communication, media skills and technology are listed as important teaching methods. The article also offers a specific set of pedagogical and assessment strategies found to be successful in distance education in Geography. Distance education offers students an opportunity to have upper secondary level education also in small rural village schools, which do not have teachers in all the required subjects.

 
Key words: multiform teaching, net-based learning environments, geography education

(In K. Donert & P. Charzynski (eds.) (2005). Changing Horizons in Geography Education. 2 Geography in European higher education. Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland. 146-150).

Om begreppsförståelse inom naturvetenskapliga ämnen i Lettland, Sverige och Finland: Jämförande undersökning 1998-2004/2005. 

Gedrovics, J., Jeronen, E. & Kuusela, T. 

Forskning om elevernas begreppsförståelse har i regel som sitt huvudmål att få svar på två generella frågor inom pedagogik - vad skall man undervisa och på vilket sätt  skall det genomföras. Under senaste åren har man observerat, att olika undersökningar om begreppsförståelse med syfte att jämföra olika länders erfarenheter, har visst betydelse för att etablera s.k. gemensamma utbildningsrum. Sådana undersökningar är t.e. allmänkända TIMSS och PISA samt även vissa mindre projekter.

Under forskningsvistelse som s.k. Visbystipendiat i Sverige (1997-1998) genomförde en av författarna (JG.) pilotundersökningen i några skolor i Sverige, Finland och Lettland med antalet av deltagande elever motsvarande 240, 89 och 250 personer. I höstterminen 2004 och i januari 2005 genomfördes upprepade undersökning med 95 svenska, 315 finska och 390 lettiska elever som läser år 9 och gymnasiekurs-2. Enkäter bearbetades med NSDStat och SPSS (12.0.1.) programmen.

Huvudproblemen i båda undersökningsfaser var elevernas förståelse över kemiska reaktioner och fysikaliska förvandlingar, samt några komplicerade problem t.e. koldioxid i atmosfären, växthuseffekten, korrosion osv. Förutom dessa naturvetenskapliga och didaktiska frågor, analyserade man också elevernas attityder mot naturämnena, samt deras naturvetenskapliga outdoor activities (experiment utanför skolan, informationssökande i ämnet).

Det finns fortfarande stora brister i förståelse över skillnader mellan kemiska och fysikaliska förvandlingar, även om just dessa kunskaper spelar en viktig roll vid inlärandet av kemi. Förståelse över betydelse av koldioxid i atmosfären har förbättrat, särskilt bland de lettiska eleverna. Samtidigt minskades däremot antalet av rätta svar över metallkorrosionen.

I alla tre länder minskades antal av de eleverna, som hade skrivit sina egna förklaringar om de krävdes. Det fanns också större antal av förklaringar utan något analys än tidigare. Dvs. eleverna grundade deras svar mera på gissning än vetskap. Flera elever än tidigare visade inte något intresse för naturvetenskapen. Det sistnämnda påståendet framträdar även som resultat kring elevers tankar på obligatoriska ämnen i skolan: de flesta eleverna ser inte naturämnena som viktiga.

Jämförande pilotundersökningar mellan olika länder tillåter att förstå bättre hurdana attityder mot naturvetenskapen elever har och varför deras positiva attityder visar ständig minskning och försämring. Kanske på det viset kan man finna på medel att lösa didaktiska problemer.

(In: Det 8. nordiske Forskersymposium om undervisning I naturfag. Naturdidaktikkens mange facetter. 30. april til 3. maj 2005. Session F, locale V, Aalborg Seminarium, Aalborg, Danmark.)

2004:

ISSN 1648-3898. 2004, No. 2 (6)

https://www.jbse.webinfo.lt/2004,_no_2(6)2.htm

JOURNAL OF BALTIC SCIENCE EDUCATION

 

GEOGRAPHY AND BIOLOGY AND TEACHER EDUCATION IN FINLAND

Eila Jeronen

Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu, Finland

Abstract. Since 1990 the Finnish society, the school system and the teacher education have strongly changed. The aim of the article is to discuss what kind geographical and biological teacher education has been and how it is nowadays in the University of Oulu. The study reported here is a qualitative case study. The resultant data is based on reflective diaries written by 74 student teachers in 1998-2003. The data was analysed by using inductive and deductive content analysis methods. According to the student teachers, the programme of the geographical and biological teacher education in the University of Oulu creates a good basement for the development of teacher identity and for acting as a teacher.
The most of the reflections in study diaries concerned the subject education. This is understandable for the student teachers wrote their thoughts about modules in connection of subject education. Based on the study diaries of the geographical and biological student teachers, there seems to be a gap between theory and practice, especially between the educational sciences and the other parts of the pedagogical studies. The bridges both between educational sciences and subject education and subject education and the school practice seem to be quite strong. The educational sciences form the theoretical framework for the wholeness of the pedagogical studies. Therefore it is natural that it is more theoretical than the subject education and school practice are. However, we must try to find ways to link the educational studies more tightly to the other parts of the pedagogical studies. Otherwise there is a danger that student teachers reject the theory as a base of their profession.

Key words: education process, integration, geography, biology, subject didactics, school practice.

ISSN 1648-3898. 2004, No.1(5)

https://www.jbse.webinfo.lt/2004,_no__1(5).htm

JOURNAL OF BALTIC SCIENCE EDUCATION

DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTIONS OF STUDENT TEACHERS IN INITIAL TEACHER EDUCATION IN BIOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION

 Eila Jeronen

Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education, University of Oulu, Finland

Abstract. The article aims to interpret professional development of teachers, focusing specifically on the development of professional conceptions of student teachers in an Initial Teacher Education during their final school practice period in Biology and Geography. The study is a qualitative case study. The resultant data is based on reflective diaries and teaching practice reports written by the student teachers, and on recordings and videotapes from supervision meetings and lessons. The data was analysed by using inductive and deductive content analysis methods. According to the student teachers, their awareness of themselves as teachers and of teaching of Biology and Geography developed. At the beginning, they reflected their status, whereas at the end they considered the work of a teacher as a whole and what kind of teachers they want to be.

Context and values issues should be stressed more, both in initial and In-service education. This is important because teachers should be able to observe and value environmental and human rights problems. They should be willing to construct connections, not only with parents, but also with society. Initial teacher education and In-service education should be linked to each other. The teacher educators should participate in professional In-service education more than they currently do. Based on collaborative research and development projects between teachers and teacher educators, it would be possible to create a strong and prestigious professional teacher culture, basing on shared expertise and responsibility, and continuously developing theory.

Key words: professional development, professional conceptions, strategies of student teachers, school practice, reflection.


HERO(DOT)eNews IN SUPPORTING CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

Eila Jeronen, Karl Donert & Balázs Madarász

 
Abstract. The study described in this article is a part of the work focused on a website called HERO(DOT)eNews – European environmental news. The project brings together partners from Austria, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Romania and UK. It aims at fostering co-operation between teachers and students through the creation of an interactive on-line journal dealing with environmental and economic issues. A socio-cultural communicative perspective (Crozier, 1999, Hudson et al., 1999) and the constructivist pedagogy (Vygotsky, 1962, Steffe & Gale, 1995) form the basis of the project. In educating citizenship, an important part of the framework is also an ecological approach where a student or a teacher is seen in context. This holistic perspective particularly highlights the reciprocal relationships of the student and different surrounding environments. The reciprocity of relationships expands from the student's immediate environment to wider systems and also to their daily life. (Bronfenbrenner, 1991, Kankaanranta, 2001.) In the article, we describe the Hero(dot)eNews environment, present some examples and results of internal and external evaluation of the Hero(dot)eNews site.

 Key words: ODL, open and distance learning, citizenship education, environmental education, constructivist pedagogy, ecological approach

Jeronen, E., Donert, K. & Madarász, B. 2004. HERO(DOT)eNews in supporting citizenship education. One Earth – Many Worlds, IGC-UK 2004 Glasgow, 15-20 August 2004, Glasgow UK. Presentation and article.

Herodot Thematic Network for Geography Teaching and Learning: 

http://www.zgis.at/herodotnet/info/database.asp?Section=Publications

Ethical Conceptions of Undergraduate Students on Research and Acting as a Researcher – A Case Study in Process and Environmental Engineering Education.

Jeronen, E., Ylä-Mella, J., Turpeinen, E., Huuhtanen, M. & Keiski, R. L. 

(In: F. Malpica, F. Welsch, A. Tremante, M. Chang & Y-T. Hsia (Eds.) EISTA´04, International Conference on Education and Information Systems: Technologies and Applications. July 21 – 25, 2004, Orlando, Florida, USA. Organized by IIIS, International Institute of Informatics and Systemics.  Proceedings 2004, Applications of Information and Communication Technologies in Education and Training. Vol. I, pp. 214-219. Available in the conference CD-ROM.
Refereed version in: EISTA´05, EISTA '04 Volume III, APPLICATIONS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING.  http://www.confinf.org/eista05/pastproceeding/contents.asp?id_volumen=3&action=1&id_conference=5&vpart - )

Research Methodology and Ethics – Researcher Education for Undergraduate Students in the Process and Environmental Engineering Study Programmes.

Jeronen, E., Keiski, R. L., Huuhtanen, M., Turpeinen, E. & Ylä-Mella, J. 

( In: N. Callaos, W. Lesso & B. Sanches (Eds.) SCI-2004, The 8th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics. July 18-21, 2004, Orlando, Florida, USA. Organized by IIIS, International Institute of Informatics and Systemics.  Proceedings 2004, Information Systems, Technologies and Aplications. Vol. I, pp. 71-75. Available aalso in the conference CD-ROM. Refereed version in: SCI2005,SCI 2004 Volume I, INFORMATION SYSTEMS, TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS I. http://www.iiisci.org/sci2005/Pastproceeding/contents.asp?id_volumen=1&action=1&id_conference=1&vpart=I)

2004:

Ympäristöuutiset opetuksessa – Hero(dot)eNews-ympäristö ympäristökansalaisuuden tueksi. 

Jeronen, E., Niemelä, S-K. & Pajunen, A. 

(In: R.  Mietola & H. Outinen (toim.) Kulttuurit, erilaisuus ja kohtaamiset. Kasvatustieteen päivien 2003 julkaisu. ISBN 952-10-1621-3. Helsinki 2004.                    
http://www.helsinki.fi/ktl/julkaisut/ktp-2003/osa5.pdf)

Ympäristökasvatus ja kestävä kehitys biologian opetussuunnitelmissa ja opetuksessa Italiassa ja Itävallassa.  

Jeronen, E., Niemelä, S-K. & Pajunen, A. 2004.

(Teoksessa:  Eurooppalainen ulottuvuus, Ainedidaktiikan symposiumi 6.2.2004 Helsinki. University of Helsinki. (Refereed)

http://www.malux.edu.helsinki.fi/okl/tutkimus/ad2004/ )

 

Books

Eloranta, V., Jeronen, E. & Palmberg, I. (Eds.) 2005. Biologia eläväksi. Biologian didaktiikka. (Textbook of  Biology Didactics) Keuruu: Otavan kirjapaino. ISBN 952-451-128-2. ss. 363. 

Sustain_Oulu


Master Theses in 2004-2007

Kuusela, T. 2007. Oppilaiden käsitysten tutkiminen – esimerkkinä luonnontieteet ja ilmastonmuutos. Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 131 s., 3 liitettä.

Erkkilä, J. & Tolonen, H. 2007. Autenttisessa metsäympäristössä toteutettu opetustuokio affektiivisten tilojen näkökulmasta. Kasvatuspsykologian pro gradu –tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 152 s., 25 liitettä.

Pöyhtäri, L. 2007. Mie asun mettässä – Elinympäristön vaikutus 5.-6. –luokkalaisten suuntautumiseen luontoa kohtaan . Pro gradu –tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 72 s., 2 liitettä.

Aikio, T. 2006. ”Niille se ei olis vanha, vaan ihan upouus”. Esiopetusikäisten lasten käsityksiä jätteistä ja jätehuollosta. Pro gradu –tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 87 s., 6 liitettä.
Vuolle, M. & Vuolle, T. 2006. Terveystiedon opetussuunnitelman tavoitteiden ja sisältöjen tärkeys sekä opetuksen mahdollisuudet vaikuttaa nuorten hyvinvointiin. Pro gradu
–tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 92 s., 1 liite.

 Mäkinen, S. 2006. Maaseudun kulttuurimaisemat – Hypermediaoppimateriaalin laatiminen lukion maantieteen opetukseen. Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu.

Isoviita, M. & Kyllönen, R. 2005. Opettaja oppimisympäristön rakentajana – Viiden luokanopettajan näkemys luokkansa oppimisympäristöstä. Pro gradu –tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 111 s.
Mikkonen, A. 2005. Oulunlahden koulun maankohoamispolun soveltuvuus opetuskäyttöön. Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 79 s., 4 liitettä.

Keinänen, M-L. 2005. Tiedon jäljillä? Alkuopetuksen ympäristö- ja luonnontiedon  oppimateriaalin ja opetussuunnitelmien tarkastelua. (Materials and curricula used in the first and second form environmental and natural education.) Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu.

 

Frant, Nina. 2005. Ihmiskehon rakenteen ja toiminnan tuntemuksesta perusasteen oppilailla: poikittaiskartoitus luokilla 5, 7 ja 9. (Students´conceptions of human anatomy and physiology in the 5th, 7th and 9th forms.) Pro gradu -tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 59 s., 3 liitettä.

 

Supperi, H. 2005. Limingan Maankohoamispolun kehittäminen ja soveltuvuus opetuskäyttöön. (Nature trail of Landuplift in Liminganlahti)Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 89 s., 3 liitettä.

 

Laatikainen, R. 2005. Maantiedon ja biologian opetuksen integrointi luokka-asteilla 7-8. (Integration of Geography and Biology in the 7th and 8th forms.) Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 63 s., 5 liitettä.

 

Lamberg, K. 2005. Geologiaa perusopetuksessa – Onko sitä? Geologian oppisisällöt perusopetuksen 3-6 vuosiluokkien ympäristö- ja luonnontiedon oppikirjoissa. (Geology in comprehensive education?) Pro gradu -tutkielma. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu. 93 s., 6 liitettä.

 

Ihantola, H. 2004. Pohjois-Amerikan elinkeinojen kuvaus suomalaisissa maantiedon oppikirjoissa 1921-1960.  (Descriptions of Livelihoods in Finnish Geography textbooks in 1921-1960.) Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu.

 

Lehto, Maria. 2004.  ‘Luonto on osa seutua.’ – Luontokoulutoimintaan osallistuneiden lasten käsityksiä luonnosta.  (Conceptions of nature school students about nature.) Pro gradu-työ. Kasvatustieteiden ja opettajankoulutuksen yksikkö, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu.

 

Paananen, Hanna. 2004. Mitä maantieto on? – Perusasteen yhdeksäsluokkalaisten käsityksiä maantiedosta.  (Conceptions of Geography of the 9th form students.) Pro gradu -tutkielma. Maantieteen laitos, Oulun yliopisto, Oulu.

 Other publications

Villanen, Heli (2005). Pieniä ja suuria näkemyksiä Temmekseltä - Aikuisten ja lasten elinympäristökokemusten vertailua. (Experiences of adults and children about their living environment in Temmes.) Julkaisussa: Alanko, Anu ja Mäntysalo, Raine (toim) (2005) Temmes. EkoSuKaT-tutkimushankkeen väliraportti 2. Oulun yliopisto, Arkkitehtuurin osasto, Yhdyskuntasuunnittelun laboratorio. Julkaisu C 92. Oulun yliopisto, Oulu, 103-130. (Jakelu: Oulun yliopistopaino, URL: http://www.oulu.fi/yliopistopaino/julkaisumyymala.htm; saatavana myös pdf-muodossa, URL: http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514276655).

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