Work

Integrative teaching and learning: reflections of a complex world in the curricula of primary teacher education programs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Acting in a changing world demands a holistic understanding of complex phenomena. Teacher education must therefore equip candidates with both knowledge and skills in integrative teaching and learning.Purpose This study investigates how integrative teaching and learning are reflected in the curricula of Finnish primary teacher education programs during the academic year 2024–2025.Methods The curricula of ten Finnish primary teacher education programs were analyzed using both data-driven and theory-guided content analysis.Results Five categories of courses reflect integrative teaching and learning: explicitly designed courses, subject-specific courses, integrative courses, studies in educational theory, and supervised teaching practice. These revealed four main approaches to integration: general integration, curriculum-driven integration, subject-based integration, and transdisciplinary integration.Conclusions The findings provide tools for reflection and curriculum development in primary teacher education.

Source: Journal of Curriculum Studies

DOI: 10.1080/00220272.2025.2560844

Authors: Iida-Maria Peltomaa, Ulla Hietamäki, Teppo Toikka, Nina Mård, Johanna M. Tigert, Sari Harmoinen, Arja Kaasinen, Sirpa Kärkkäinen, Mirja Tarnanen, Minna Maunula, Anuleena Kimanen, Tiina Kujala, Ilkka Ratinen, Juulia Lahdenperä

Institutions: Tampere University, University of Jyväskylä, Åbo Akademi University, University of Turku, University of Oulu, University of Helsinki, University of Eastern Finland, University of Tampere, University of Lapland

Language: English

Topic: Education Pedagogy and Practices

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4414387946

FWCI:

Cites: 46

Cited by:

Related to: