What is Research Orientation Concretely in a Teacher’s Work?

• In Event: Studying Teacher Knowledge: Innovations in Methodology

Abstract

Finnish teacher education is research-based. During the education, we emphasize the importance of teacher’s pedagogical thinking, personal practical theory, reflection, and inquiry-orientation. How are the skills realized in a teacher’s work? We asked these questions from 135 teachers. We wanted to know specifically how they understand the inquiry-orientation, how it is realized in an individual teacher’s work, and how it is realized in the school community. The responses were very multifaceted, and it became clear that the teachers understood inquiry-orientation to be a complex phenomenon. It was seen, for example, as everyday work, where a teacher develops and educates him/herself. It also meant reflection, doing things in another (new) way, getting feedback, and using inquiries as a method of teaching.

Authors

• Riitta Jyrhama, University of Helsinki

• Katriina Jenni Johanna Maaranen, University of Helsinki