Pedagogical Principles and Curriculum Structure

Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) has established new pedagogical principles to guide professional teacher education. These principles emphasize learner-centered approaches, flexible learning paths, and strong connections with working life.

The pedagogical principles guiding the activities at Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences provide three key perspectives that define our approach as a learning community operating in diverse environments. 

These principles, along with ethical guidelines, shape the foundation of Jamk's strategy and degree regulations. They are concretized in other guiding documents, such as Jamk’s quality manual, curriculum framework, and guidance principles. 

The pedagogical principles define the kind of pedagogy we implement at Jamk to support study, learning facilitation, and development activities. They help prioritize and make well-founded decisions in daily operations.
 

High-Quality Pedagogy Enables Learner-Centered and Flexible Learning Processes

In our pedagogical approach, the learner is genuinely at the center, actively guided and supported toward independence and self-directed agency. We design and implement pedagogical strategies that promote academic capability, incorporating movement as a fundamental part of learning. 

We build flexible learning paths that support continuous learning by recognizing the learner’s prior knowledge and experiences. We choose pedagogical methods that foster learning, interaction, and community-building. We also emphasize formative feedback and ongoing assessment.

Structures and Practices Enhance Well-Being and Community Engagement

At the core of our pedagogical activities is respectful interaction and collaborative engagement. We create structures that promote participation and well-being while recognizing diversity, ensuring equality, and enhancing accessibility.

We facilitate smooth learning experiences in various environments through digital solutions, incorporating sustainable future development principles into our pedagogical practices.

Work-Oriented and Research-Based Pedagogy Secures Future Competencies

As a university of applied sciences, we focus on training skilled professionals and advancing regional workforce development. Our pedagogy is rooted in research, anticipates future skill needs, and emphasizes strong connections with working life. We engage actively with workplace partners and utilize diverse national and international networks.
 
Jamk's pedagogical principles are further specified in the professional teacher education institution’s own pedagogical guidelines. These principles, which steer our teacher training activities, provide three shared perspectives that guide our collaboration with each other, our students, and our clients. The principles concisely outline our core operational philosophies while leaving room for further refinement regarding the diversity inherent in quality and learner-centered education and development practices.

Working Together

A foundational principle in professional teacher education is effective and respectful interaction, which fosters connection, listening, and mutual understanding. This establishes a basis for collaboration, learning, and trust-building.
 
Interaction plays a central role in pedagogical activities and enabling learning. Partnerships between teachers, students, and professional networks are built on equality, transparency, reciprocal responsibility, and mutual learning. Trust-building is a collective task.

Building Sustainable Expertise and Future Readiness

Education and teaching must respond to future needs, anticipate skill demands, and recognize ongoing societal shifts. Future-building requires future skills, systemic thinking, collaboration, and strengthening responsible agency.
 
Constructing a sustainable future involves utilizing future studies, incorporating sustainable development principles, fostering curiosity and openness, and enhancing adaptability. We integrate these aspects into educational content as well as implementation methods.

Supporting Human Growth

Professional teacher education prioritizes professional growth and development, supporting learners in their educational journeys. Beyond knowledge and skills, a holistic understanding of people and their well-being is central. This includes recognizing individuality and diversity, developing critical thinking, shaping professional identity, and strengthening community.

Note: Our curriculum is currently being updated. This site will be revised to reflect changes in course structures and modules by autumn 2025.