PEDAGOGY IN FINNISH HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE EXAMPLE OF HÄME UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Abstract

In the context of pedagogical development in higher education (HE) this research is a case study concerning Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), in Finland. The focus of the study is to make visible the correspondence between the international and national higher education policy emphasis and an individual higher education institution. Ten thematic approaches in higher education pedagogy were identified in a content analysis of policy documents, and from earlier interviews in Finnish higher education institutes. The data for this study was gathered in subsequent interviews at HAMK and was compared with these ten thematic approaches. The results show how the national and institutional pedagogical emphasis correspond in the case of universities of applied sciences (UAS). The correspondence with the ten pedagogical emphases were classified as (1) strongly consolidated, (2) currently highlighted and (3) less emphasized. The conclusion is that it is challenging and complicated to apply pedagogical goals systematically considering the various attributes from a world in constant change. In-house prioritize needs awareness of strategy, negotiations, and co-operation. The main points for the successful pedagogical development are (1) prioritization of the emphasis, (2) systematic progress and quality assurance and (3) co-operation within the pedagogic actors.