Improving Educational Practices in Finland: Young People in Transition

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Researching Ways Students Learn and Change

Abstract

This paper deals with a critical transition phase young immigrant students face in their educational path from comprehensive school to upper secondary school in Finland. Theoretical background of this presentation is cultural-historical activity theory. Research material was gathered with questionnaires and interviews. Research subjects were young with diverse ethnic backgrounds, employees of non-governmental organizations, parents, and employees of the city of Helsinki. The results show that the young face many kinds of tensions in their daily life. Factors affecting the transition phase involve language, educational, social, cultural, societal and individual issues.

Authors

• Marianne Teräs, University of Helsinki

• Johanna L. Lasonen

• Carine A. Cools, University of Jyväskylä