PEC
European Science Teachers:
Scientific Knowledge, Linguistic Skills and Digital Media
University of Helsinki
Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden in 1550 on the mouth of the Vantaa River. In 1917 Helsinki became capital of the independent Republic of Finland. As the 20th century progressed, Helsinki earned its place among the world's metropolises. Today, Helsinki is an archetypal 21st century city, enjoying the comforts of an ultramodern infrastructure and the reassurance of its unspoilt nature.
Population in Helsinki region is about 1,3 million and there are actually four separate cities, Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. Approximately one-quarter of Finns live in the metropolitan area as well as the majority of non-nationals living in Finland. Jobs are also concentrated in the region. In addition to public administration, the metropolitan area is also the indisputable centre of trade, culture and science. The head offices of the most prominent Finnish enterprises, the most famous museums and eight of the twenty universities in Finland are located in the metropolitan area. Look more info http://www.helsinki.fi/en/index.shtml
The University of Helsinki has the widest range of disciplines in Finland. It was established in Turku in 1640, but was transferred to Helsinki in 1828. The number of faculties is eleven. There are 38,000 degree students and 7,600 staff. The number of degrees taken each year is almost 4,300, of which 400 are doctorates.
The University concentrates on high-level scientific research and researcher education. Scientific research is also the basis of the teaching provided by the University. The University operations support the development of society, as well as business and industry. University representatives offer their competencies for the benefit of society through a number of positions of trust and expertise.
The University has strong international connections. It has some 80 co-operation agreements with universities on different continents. The University researchers are in great demand as experts in international scientific communities, meetings and publications. Look more info http://www.helsinki.fi/university/index.html
The Department of Applied Sciences of Education is one of the five Departments of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and it is one of the largest departments of the University of Helsinki.
The Department is divided into four sections:
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Class teacher education
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Subject teacher education
- Kindergarten teacher and early childhood education
- Special education
In addition, the Department has thirteen research centres, which are organised according to different areas of expertise.
The Department strives for interconnectedness between high-level research and teaching. The aim is to educate professional teachers for early childhood education, basic education, and upper secondary education, who possess adequate skills, knowledge and readiness to carry out, analyse, and develop teaching, day care and school education.
The activities of the Department build on a versatile scientific, practical and societal expertise as well as on wide-ranging national and international networking and co-operation. The Department of Applied Sciences of Education is co-operating closely with other departments of the University of Helsinki, the Teacher Training Schools, and a network of field schools. Additionally, the Department has a lot of international contacts especially to many European universities. Moreover, the Department takes also actively part in continuing education as well as open university education. Look more info http://www.helsinki.fi/sokla/english/index.htm
