Finnish Teachers’ Mind-Sets and Purpose Orientations as Important Aspects of Moral Competence

• In Event: Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: International Perspectives on Moral Development and Education

Abstract

This study investigates Finnish teachers’ mindsets and purpose orientations as important aspects of moral competence in teaching and learning. Teachers’ (N=464) orientations were investigated first with quantitative approach. Second, teachers (N=5) with different mindsets and purpose orientations were chosen for more profound qualitative case studies. The results showed that the teachers’ growth mindset was associated with high purpose orientation and fixed mindset with low purpose orientation. The narratively constructed interviews revealed the stories behind different mindsets and purpose orientations and their associations with the ethical dimension of teaching. Growth mindset and purpose orientation can be seen as important aspects in teachers’ moral competence. The study discusses the need for information and training of teachers’ moral competence.

Authors

• Elina Kuusisto, University of Helsinki

• Eija Hanhimäki

• Kirsi A. Tirri, University of Helsinki