Introduction

Summary

This MOOC course on early childhood education introduces the key elements that contribute to the success of Finland's educational system. Presented by experts from the University of Jyväskylä, the course explores the Finnish approach, focusing on child-centered pedagogy, play-based learning, high-quality learning environments, and the importance of highly trained professionals. The course also highlights the roles of cooperation, planning, assessment, and preventive support in ensuring the best outcomes for young children. Join this educational journey to understand the core success factors behind Finland’s exceptional early childhood education.

Takeaways

• 😀 The course is focused on early childhood education in Finland and its success factors.
• 😀 The main goals of the course are to introduce the Finnish educational system and highlight key success factors in early childhood education.
• 😀 Key success factors include child-centered pedagogy, learning through play, and high-quality learning environments.
• 😀 Finnish early childhood education emphasizes physical, social, and emotional development for young children.
• 😀 The course will cover the importance of planning, assessment, and cooperation in early childhood education.
• 😀 Highly trained kindergarten teachers and professionals play a crucial role in the success of early childhood education in Finland.
• 😀 Preventive support and cooperation among professionals are vital elements of the Finnish approach.
• 😀 The course will feature expert contributions from three professors at the University of Jyväskylä: Professor Maarit Alasuutari, Professor Niina Rutanen, and Professor Marja-Leena Laakso.
• 😀 Learning through play is considered a cornerstone of Finnish education, promoting active engagement and development in children.
• 😀 The course offers participants an opportunity to gain insights from leading experts in the field of early childhood education in Finland.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this MOOC course?

The main focus of the MOOC course is to discuss the success factors behind early childhood education in Finland.

What are the key aims of this MOOC course?

The key aims of the course are to introduce the Finnish educational system, curricula, legislation, and typical arrangements, as well as to present key success factors that contribute to high-quality early childhood education in Finland.

What are some of the key success factors in Finnish early childhood education?

Some key success factors include child-centered pedagogy, the child's perspective, learning through play, high-quality learning environments, well-trained kindergarten teachers, and cooperation and preventive support.

How is play incorporated into early childhood education in Finland?

In Finland, learning through play is considered a vital part of early childhood education, supporting children's development and learning in a natural, engaging way.

What role does the environment play in early childhood education in Finland?

The learning environment in Finland is high-quality, including physical, social, and emotional elements that contribute to the overall development and well-being of children.

Why is it important to have highly trained kindergarten teachers in Finland?

Highly trained kindergarten teachers are crucial in Finland because they ensure the delivery of high-quality education and care, helping to foster children's development through specialized knowledge and skills.

What does the concept of 'cooperation and preventive support' mean in Finnish early childhood education?

Cooperation and preventive support refer to the collaborative efforts among professionals and caregivers to provide early intervention and support for children's well-being and development, addressing issues before they become larger concerns.

Who are the experts featured in this MOOC?

The experts featured in the MOOC are Professors Maarit Alasuutari, Niina Rutanen, and Marja-Leena Laakso, all from the University of Jyväskylä.

What is the educational background of the professors leading this MOOC?

The professors leading the MOOC are experts in early childhood education and care, specifically from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland.

What is the expected learning journey for participants in this MOOC?

Participants are expected to have an insightful and enriching learning journey where they will gain an understanding of Finnish early childhood education practices, with a focus on quality factors and pedagogical approaches.