Work-related learning and pedagogy

The lifelong learning skills are essential in a rapidly changing work environments by maintaining skills enhancement and by supporting career development. Lifelong learning at work is realised through reflection. Learning at work is also an integral and essential part of professional higher and vocational education and training. Work-relayed and work-based learning can also take place outside workplaces, in various simulated learning environments and online. Learning at and through work can happen with the support of guidance but also without guidance.

We research and develop work-based learning 

In the research on work-related learning and pedagogy various pedagogical solutions are examined from the perspectives of the employees, employers, workplace, community, and school-industry collaboration. This refers to the exploratory development of learning environments that support the development of work-related pedagogical solutions and required competencies , including simulation and online environments. 

At Jamk, we study higher education-industry collaboration and its meaning for learners, companies, and for teachers; work-related pedagogical solutions in universities of applied sciences, including the integration of RDI and education, the role of thesis in developing students' skills and the companies, utilising digital solutions in workplace learning guidance, and methodologies for improving reflective skills. 

Work-related learning and pedagogy research is inherently practice-oriented, multi-methodological, solution-seeking, and interdisciplinary. It is conducted in close collaboration with developers.

Virolainen, M., Heikkinen. H.L.T. & Laitinen-Väänänen, S. (2024). The evolving role of the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences in the regional innovation ecosystem. Journal of Vocational Education & Training 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13636820.2024.2443905 

Laitinen-Väänänen, S., Parjanen, S., Hyypiä, M., Cattaneo, A. & de Jong, F. (2024). The Essential Factors in Higher Education – Industry Collaboration when Developing Video-Supported Collaborative Learning. Industry and Higher Education (Online first) https://doi.org/10.1177/09504222241299693 

Punna, M., Laiho, T., Laitinen-Väänänen, S., & Harmokivi-Saloranta, P. (2023). Implementation of an online group model for work-related well-being among sport instructors. European journal of public health, 33 (Supplement 1). https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckad133.252 

Research and development projects