Promoting multimodal educational practices and teacher competencies in vocational education and training (VET): Ukraine - Finland Cooperation

Promoting Multimodal Educational Practices and Teacher Competencies in Vocational Education and Training: Ukraine–Finland Cooperation (MOTIVET4UA)

The MOTIVET4UA project strengthens cooperation between Finnish and Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs) in the development of vocational teacher education. HEIs play a vital role in teacher education, research, and advancing educational reform, and their significance is particularly pronounced during times of crisis and reconstruction.

The Russian war in Ukraine has severely affected the country's education sector, hindering the provision of quality teaching and practical training. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has advanced reforms in vocational education and training (VET) based on the 2017 Law on Education. MOTIVET4UA supports these reforms by enhancing teacher educators' competencies in multimodal pedagogy, digital teaching, and the responsible use of AI. The project emphasizes research-based development and builds on the ongoing educational and research projects of the participating HEIs.

Project activities include webinars, seminars, joint research projects, as well as teacher and student exchanges. Through co-creation, HEIs share good practices and address common challenges, such as the digital and green transitions and the mitigation of war-related learning loss.

Expected outcomes include peer-reviewed publications, digital learning materials, and practical tools to support teacher education. The project strengthens research capacity, develops teaching practices, and deepens international partnerships. In this way, MOTIVET4UA contributes to the resilience, renewal, and modernization of vocational teacher education in Ukraine, while reinforcing the strategic role of HEIs in shaping the future of VET.

The project is coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä. Partners include Hryhorii Skovoroda University and V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University in Ukraine, as well as the School of Professional Teacher Education at JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

More information: Heini Ikäheimo, [email protected]