Research in Innovative Learning

In the field of Innovative Learning, the research focuses on learning, guidance, and teaching that take place in educational and in workplace settings. We investigate and evolve pedagogical solutions, learning environments, and competencies required in future. We produce data- and evidence-based knowledge to support decision-making and to develop the future skills.

Research on Innovative Learning is applied, multi-methodological, and practice-oriented. The applicability and dissemination of results through diverse channels for researchers, developers, users, and beneficiaries are essential. We conduct research in close collaboration with national and international universities, research institutions, and professional networks. 

Research areas

The six main areas of our research are as follows:

1. Vocational and professional teacher skills and competences
2. Digital transformation in education  
3. Work-related learning and pedagogy 
4. Elinikäisen ohjauksen tutkimus 
5. Inclusive vocational education and training 
6. Developing education globally

As research in Innovative Learning focuses on working life-orientated learning, emerging teaching profession and factors influencing the entire learning ecosystem, it is, by its nature, applied, practice-based research which utilises many different methodological approaches.

Publishing and disseminating the research results is essential at Jamk and is achieved using varied channels and forums aimed at reaching those who will use and apply the information. Our research activities are implemented in close cooperation with national and international higher education organisations, research centres and business-related networks. Thus, it realises the Competence for Competitiveness mission included in Jamk’s strategy and research-based higher education teaching and learning. 

Research in various networks

Research is carried out in close cooperation with other research actors, education and business partners from various networks. The EduJyväskylä-network in Central Finland offers possibility to conduct RDI-collaboration with secondary schools and the University of Jyväskylä. The research group between the five Finnish Schools of Professional Teacher Education on working life-orientated vocational learning, pedagogy, and education, broadens the network nation-wide. International partners and networks such as Jamk’s RISEN-network extends the research collaboration globally. 

Expertise in lifelong guidance 

• A study counsellor is a professional in guidance and interaction in different educational organisations and other guidance and counselling environments. The counsellor is a multi-skilled professional in lifelong guidance and continuous development of professional skills as well as in systemic development.
• The work of study and career counsellors is researched in many ways. Our special research topics are counsellors’ guidance and interaction skills, capabilities to support lifelong career planning, multidisciplinary and multi-professional cooperation, and the professional identity of a study counsellor.

Support for learners with special needs

• Vocational special education and preparatory education support the implementation of equality in education and enable the participation of all learners in studies and working life. Core competences of a vocational special needs education (SEN) teacher is taking the student's learning challenges into account, building individual study paths and having multi-professional and cross-disciplinary competence.
• Vocational special needs education is studied by examining special pedagogical methods and their effectiveness for learning and work as well as researching special educational needs (SEN) teacher education and SEN teachers work. Our special research topics are adults needing special support, questions related to well-being and intensive special needs support in vocational education and training. 

Find out more about our research team in Innovative Learning. 

Researcher descriptions

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