News & Events

Current news from EDUCA Flagship

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!

Education researchers share proven strategies from neighboring nations for boosting learning outcomes

The Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER) at the University of Jyväskylä has published a research review on changes in comprehensive school students’ competencies and various associated factors. The review also examines consequential education policy reforms made in other Nordic countries and in Estonia.

The impact of co-teaching on reading skills is studied in schools in Helsinki

In several schools in Helsinki this year, researchers are investigating whether co-teaching can impact children’s development in literacy skills. In this experiment, second graders have an extra teacher in their four weekly mother tongue and literature lessons.

Light at the end of the tunnel for principals as burnout eases and engagement rebounds

After years of strain, the latest survey examining the workplace wellbeing of Finnish school leaders shows an upswing. For years, the annual Principals' Barometer painted a bleak picture of the pressure they were under. But 2024 marked a turning point. “The covid pandemic cast a long shadow,” says Academy Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro of the University of Helsinki.

Recognition for Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen’s textbook production

The Association of Finnish Nonfiction Writers has awarded Professor Marja-Kristiina Lerkkanen, director of the EDUCA Flagship consortium, the Textbook Writers’ Award 2025. The award recognises her long and meritorious work in producing high-quality textbooks.

Teachers involved in the two-year pre-primary education trial found it more goal-oriented than regular early childhood education

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä examined the perspectives of early childhood education teachers participating in a two-year pre-primary education trial. They aimed to determine if the pre-primary education for five-year-olds differed from regular early childhood education.

EDUCA researchers start to assess the segregation of learning and well-being in the Helsinki metropolitan area

The Cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa have launched a new Urban Policy Council, established in cooperation with the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. The independent and autonomous research panel will provide a critical report of education and learning, with a particular focus on the segregation of learning and well-being in early childhood.

"Language-aware teaching requires a new way of thinking"

“Language-aware teaching should be part of all subjects and every teacher’s work,” says Postdoctoral Researcher Elisa Repo in Tiedonportti magazine.

A trial for two-year pre-primary education changed the social environment of five-year-olds in early childhood education

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have examined structural factors related to the quality of early childhood education in the experimental and control groups involved in the trial.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture visited EDUCA in Jyväskylä

Anita Lehikoinen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Culture, gave the Uno Cygnaeus Lecture in Jyväskylä in early October. In her speech on the history, present and future of Finnish educational system she boldly assessed the policy choices made. She also discussed ongoing research projects with EDUCA's post doc researchers.

The first EDUCA Consortium Meeting strengthened team spirit

More than 150 EDUCA Flagship researchers, mentors and stakeholder representatives gathered in Helsinki in mid-September for a joint Consortium Meeting.

EDUCA flagship presented in Tiedonportti magazine

The latest issue of the University of Jyväskylä's Tiedonportti online science magazine presents the university's first flagship project EDUCA, which is internationally unique.

EDUCA-Doc doctoral researchers started their doctoral training at the University of Jyväskylä

The EDUCA-Doc doctoral researchers in education and psychology at Jyväskylä started their three-year work at the beginning of August.

How to put education policy to the test?

Finland is testing changes in national education before committing to them – and showing how randcomized controlled trials can take the guesswork out of policy-making

The Education for the Future (EDUCA) Flagship receives 4.6 million euros from the Academy of Finland

Last October, the Academy of Finland selected three research consortia from the University of Jyväskylä for the EDUCA Flagship.

Events

The 9th European Workshop on Systematic Observation in Educational Research

The First EDUCA Summer School

25-26 September 2025 in University of Jyväskylä.

EDUCA Flagship Consortium Meeting 14.–15.5.2025 University of Turku

The EDUCA flagship organises consortium meeting at the University of Turku. EDUCA network members (EDUCA Flagship researchers, EDUCA related post docs and doctoral researchers and representatives of the stakeholders) have been invited to the event.

MA Auli Lehtinen will defend her doctoral dissertation in teacher education on 7.2.2025

MA Auli Lehtinen (Faculty of Education and Psychology, Teacher Education) defends her doctoral dissertation in teacher education "Crossing boundaries - becoming critical, dialogical, and collaborative teachers".

M.A Janni Alho (Educ.) will defend her doctoral dissertation on 30.11.2024

MA (Educ.) Janni Alho defends her doctoral dissertation in teacher education "Student teachers' leadership development in a Finnish class teacher education-integrated study group".