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Current news from EDUCA Flagship

Helsinki's Third-graders to Receive Aku Ankka Magazine at Home – Study Examines Effects on Reading Motivation

EDUCA Flagship will carry out a study in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and Sanoma Media Finland on how having printed reading materials regularly delivered to the home affects chidren's reading motivation and their perception of themselves as readers.

First-grade teachers benefit from digital assessment feedback on the two-year pre-primary education trial

Researchers from the Universities of Jyväskylä and Turku have investigated teachers’ and principals’ views on the digital pupil feedback provided for them regarding the two-year pre-primary education pilot.

Travel report: The Finnish Formula: Play, Learn, Excel

EDUCA-Doc supervisor, Dr. Kati Sormunen from the University of Helsinki represented EDUCA Flagship in October 2025 in an event co-hosted by the National Children’s Museum and the Embassy of Finland in the U.S., Washington, D.C.

Raising compulsory schooling age reduced the share of underage school leavers

As part of his doctoral thesis, Juho Junttila, EDUCA-Doc doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, has studied the effects of raising the compulsory schooling age, which came into effect in 2021.

A new study investigates how municipalities implement the learning support reform

Support for learning in pre-primary and basic education was recently reformed. A research project led by the University of Jyväskylä is now investigating how the reform is taking shape in everyday school life across Finland.

Qualified Early Childhood Teachers Are More Common in Socioeconomically Advantaged Areas

The Urban Policy Council’s First Report shows that daycare centers in more advantaged areas employ, on average, a higher proportion of qualified teachers. However, variation within similar areas is significant.

EDUCA Flagship at FERA Conference

FERA Conference 2025 was organized 5.–7.11.2025 at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi. There were many EDUCA Flagship researchers and stakeholders participating in the pre-seminars and the conference, and we had our own stand where people came to meet us.

Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen has been appointed dean

The leader of EDUCA Flagship, Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, will also take up the position of Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the University of Jyväskylä on January 1, 2026.

ECEC teachers’ concerns about children’s loneliness and ostracism are common

All children have a basic need to belong and to form positive peer relationships. A recent study examined early childhood education and care (ECEC) teachers’ observations of loneliness and ostracism – or social exclusion – among 5-year-old children.

Professor emeritus Jari Lavonen awarded honorary doctorate in Argentina

The honorary title was awarded to Professor Jari Lavonen in recognition of his academic and professional career in teacher training and educational innovation. In EDUCA Flagship he is participating in the research area 4.

A memorial seminar honored the distinguished research career of Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro

On October 10, 2025, colleagues, friends, students, and family members gathered at the University of Helsinki to celebrate the achievements and legacy of the late EDUCA co-PI, Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro, in the field of developmental psychology in Finland and internationally.

Elisa Vilhunen joined the Young Academy Finland as a new member

Young Academy Finland, which operates under the Finnish Academy of Sciences and Letters, has nominated EDUCA Flagship postdoctoral researcher Elisa Vilhunen from the University of Helsinki as its new member for the next four-year term (2025–2029). This year, 18 new members from various scientific fields were invited to join.

Summer School & Mini-Conference brought together nearly 150 researchers in Jyväskylä

At the end of September, EDUCA Flagship's first scientific conference brought together nearly 150 researchers in the fields of education, psychology, learning analytics, sociology, and economics for two days at the University of Jyväskylä's Ruusupuisto campus.

Highlights from the 9th observation seminar

The 9th European Workshop on Systematic Observation in Educational Research was held in Jyväskylä on September 16–17. It's a small network of researchers who meet annually to discuss observational research on classroom interaction.

Celebrating the Legacy of Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro

We warmly invite the EDUCA Flagship network to attend a scientific seminar on October 10 celebrating the legacy of Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro, whose groundbreaking research has left a lasting impact on the fields of educational science and psychology.

Boys of immigrant origin more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety

Children and adolescents of immigrant origin are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety. Key protective factors include supportive teachers and other close relationships.

Professor Häkkinen: Technology use in teaching remains rare

A change in the Basic Education Act restricts the use of personal phones and mobile devices during classes, but in pedagogical use different types of technology can be useful in many ways.

In memoriam: Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro (1961–2025)

The field of developmental psychology has lost a remarkable scholar and leader whose pioneering research on academic motivation, well-being, and adolescent development – particularly regarding the challenges and interventions associated with educational transitions – leaves a lasting legacy.

Digitalisation of teaching progresses at different paces in Finnish schools

The research evidence suggests that there are still big differences between teachers and schools in Finland in the use of digital devices. A key challenge in mainstreaming the use of technology in education is teachers' digital pedagogical skills.

Consortium Meeting Sparked New Ideas in Educational Research and Stakeholder Collaboration

The third consortium meeting of the EDUCA Flagship brought together researchers, supervisors, and stakeholder representatives in Turku to engage in vibrant discussions on educational research and cross-sector collaboration.

The rapid start to the doctoral pilot – EDUCA-Doc sets a strong foundation for research careers

In the EDUCA-Doc doctoral training pilot, researchers have quickly engaged in their work, and some have already published their first articles. The programme emphasizes collaborative learning, peer support, and the importance of supervision.

Jari Metsämuuronen and Jake McMullen Appointed as Professors of Learning Analytics

Jari Metsämuuronen and Jake McMullen have been appointed as Professors of Learning Analytics at the University of Turku’s Research Institute for Learning Analytics, starting from February 1, 2025. These new professorships will focus on digital learning environments and further strengthen the University of Turku’s leading position in the field of learning analytics.

Teachers’ occupational wellbeing improved

A University of Helsinki follow-up study demonstrates that the occupational wellbeing of teachers has begun improving after several years. This is indicated in a survey for members of the Trade Union of Education in Finland OAJ, conducted biannually since its inception in spring 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.

Research report and policy recommendation on the organisation of distance learning as part of future basic education

The study, published by the Foundation for Municipal Development, examines the views of municipal actors on how local conditions affect the organisation of basic education.

‘Finland and Aalto University have been very welcoming to my family, and I have really enjoyed living and working here‘

Several international postdoctoral researchers work for the EDUCA Flagship. Let’s get to know three of them: Cécile Bonneau, Daniel Carvajal, and Maria Sauval!

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Events

EDUCA Mini-Conference 2026

The EDUCA Conference in May 2026 brings together researchers from across the flagship to share and discuss their work. Hosted by Aalto University in Espoo, the conference is open to all EDUCA researchers.

Kirsi-Marja Heikkinen, KM will defend her doctoral dissertation on 17 January 2026

Kirsi-Marja Heikkinen, KM will defend the doctoral dissertation entitled "Early Childhood Education and Care Centre Leadership Through the Lens of Complexity - From Wicked Problems to Integrated Resources" in the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki, on 17 January 2026 at 10:00.

MA (Educ.) Julia Kuusiholma-Linnamäki will defend her doctoral dissertation in early childhood education

MA (Educ.) Julia Kuusiholma-Linnamäki defends her doctoral dissertation "Children’s Care Arrangements by Age Four and Contextual Factors in the Crosscurrents of Finland’s Childcare Policies" on December 5, 2025.

Inaugural lectures by three EDUCA professors

The new professors at the Turku Research Institute for Learning Analytics are celebrated on December 2.

Third EDUCA Doctoral Pilot workshop

Welcome to the third EDUCA Doctoral Pilot workshop January 22-23, 2025.

EDUCA Flagship in the media

Helsingin Sanomat 3.12.2025

Marinin hallituksen uudistuksen seuraus: Koulupudokkaiden määrä laski

Iltalehti 2.12.2025

Hälyttävä tutkimustulos Helsingin varhaiskasvatuksesta

STT / Keskisuomalainen 16.11.2025

Neuvoloissa jaettavat kirjakassit ovat lisänneet suomalaisvanhempien lukuintoa

Helsingin Uutiset 9.10.2025

Helppoa suomea | Koulujen täytyy muuttua, jotta eri taustoista tulevat lapset voivat oppia

YLE uutiset 11.9.2025

Luokanopettajan koulutus ei tulevaisuudessa enää riitä, kun oppilaiden määrä vähenee

YLE uutiset 11.9.2025

Peruskouluista katoaa lähivuosina puolet – katso, miten oman alueesi lasten määrä on vähentynyt

Helsingin Uutiset 29.8.2025

Helppoa suomea | Tutkija: Maahanmuuttajanuoret eivät aina puhu vanhemmilleen

YLE 6.8.2025

Tampereen uusin koulu palasi perinteiseen tyyliin – siellä on luokkahuoneet

YLE 17.4.2025

”Lapseni ansaitsee kympin” – opettajat kertovat vanhempien yleistyvästä painostuksesta

Suomen Kuvalehti 2.4.2025

Koulutuspolitiikka ei kaipaa populismia (puheenvuoro)

Helsingin Sanomat 16.3.2025

1990-luvun lamasta lähtien on lakkautettu 80 perus­koulua joka vuosi ja tahti jatkuu, sanoo asiantuntija

Opettaja-lehti helmikuu 2025

Tutkimuksesta ja tohtoreista tahdotaan tulevaisuuden vetureita

YLE Radio Suomi 16.12.2024

Yli 2 000 helsinkiläistä tokaluokkalaista mukana tutkimuksessa, jonka tavoite on parantaa lukutaitoa

Keskisuomalainen 20.9.2024

Jyväskylän yliopiston suur­hank­keessa on selviä­mässä, miksi Suomen Pisa-​tulokset romahtivat: kotitausta ja luke­mis­kiin­nostus ratkai­sevia

Helsingin Sanomat 6.10.2024

Maahanmuuttotausta itsessään ei vaikuta oppimistuloksiin (mielipidekirjoitus)

EDUCA Flagship stakeholder newsletters

EDUCA-lippulaiva uutiskirje 1/2026 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 4/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 3/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 2/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 1/2025 (in Finnish)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 2/2024 (in English)

EDUCA-lippulaivan uutiskirje 1/2024 (in English)