Craft Science in Finland

Please remember that I am going to put some observations here through the lens of a U.S. teacher. I will try to formulate my thoughts in a way that is inquisitive and appreciative of the societal differences and expectations. Throughout this post you will see images and videos that were recorded of the staff and students at the school. These have been shared with permission.

Dr. Minna Kaipainen explains the career goals of the program at UEF.

This is going to be a longer post because I learned so much at the Craft Science building at the University of Eastern Finland. Craft Science is part of the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education. I have linked the English page for you, but I would suggest you click to access the page in Finnish and have it translated by Google while you are in it because it provides more information. I am going to focus on the Craft program since it is separate from Home Economics here, although there is some overlap in textile care and selection. From the UEF website: "The studies emphasize multi-materiality, technology, the application of skills and knowledge, as well as planning and problem solving. In learning tasks, we emphasize community and teamwork as well as an investigative approach and the development of expertise. We also emphasize the connection between handicrafts and individual well-being, the surrounding culture and society." Honestly, that whole statement makes me feel like it should be the goal of all educational pursuits.

This is a description of what students experience in the textiles Lab at the University of Eastern Finland.

Professor Niina Väänänen gives the tour. Kittos to Niina for proofing this blog for me!

In America when we hear "craft", we likely think of a hobby or something we do by hand for fun. In Finland there is a deeper understanding throughout the culture of the real importance and benefits of craft work. "The university-level expertise in craft education in Finland is concentrated in the University of Helsinki, the University of Turku, the University of Eastern Finland, and Åbo Akademi. They have established their own crafts disciplines: craft science, craft education, or pedagogy of crafts (‘slöjdpedagogik’), and they organise craft teacher training. Academic research on crafts and craft education has been carried out in Finland since the early 1980s, and dozens of doctoral theses on the subject have been completed as well as hundreds of master's thesis. Comprehensive school pupils, both current and former, are also important experts in craft education and practitioners of the craft tradition. In addition to other important things, all children and young people study crafts while completing their compulsory education."

(Source: https://wiki.aineetonkulttuuriperinto.fi/wiki/Craft_education_in_Finnish_comprehensive_schools#:~:text=Crafts%20is%20a%20common%20subject,secondary%20school%20diploma%20in%20crafts)

Click on the image above to be taken to the catalog of Craft courses at UEF and their descriptions.

Craft education in Finland helps students increase self-esteem by developing their sense of curiosity and exploration. The various manufacturing processes and the use of numerous materials in craft further encourage students to make their own decisions in designing, assessing the outcomes and continuing product development through experimentation. The process ingrains problem solving and the development of technical literacy in students. This mentality is an important common vein in all of Finnish curriculum. The other recurring theme I have observed is student experiences in education "naturally crossing subject boundaries." (Framework Curriculum Guidelines, 2014).

Dr. Minna Kaipainen explains course progression at UEF

If you are a teacher education student, at any level, and you want to be able to teach Crafts in addition to your grade or subject level certification you will take some classes here. I think of it like an endorsement in the U.S. You can get certified to teach K-8 Math and an endorsement in another topic. You can also get your Master's in Crafts Science if that is your main teaching focus. More flexibility in your teaching expertise the more highly employable you are. However, it appears the rate of employability after graduation in these programs is incredibly high either way. Students in Finnish University must complete a thesis for both their Bachelor's and Master's degrees. University education is always stressing research here. This ingrained research based approach is visible throughout the classroom observations I have done.

While there I got to meet Saraliina, a student in the program. She explains her project and her future goals. Saraliina's

small business can be found at Instagram.com/pellamo_design please go give her a follow and take a look at her work.

In addition to research, there is a focus on engineering throughout the Craft Science program. The process no matter which course you are in, encourages developing an inquisitive approach, making errors, developing a prototype (mentioned as "rehearsal" in the videos above), being proactive and demonstrating learning/growth. While I have highlighted the Textiles program in the videos, the same mentality was observed in the metalsmithing/woodshop. One of the examples of how this process works is the development of toys for early childhood education. Students research, design, make a prototype and then create the toy (see image below).

An example of the interactive toys created for early childhood students through research and development in the Crafts program.

In one of my earlier blog posts I mentioned how students apply to upper level schools based on their area of interest. For example I knew I wanted to be a Home Economics teacher in 7th grade, I could have applied to a High School like Helsinki Normal Lyceum

where my studies would have integrated my area of interest! I imagine I would not have dropped out of Chemistry in high school if it was food science based!

Two students share their first experience with metal work at UEF Craft Science school.

Additional reading: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/education/not-just-crocheting-and-wood-turning-finnish-craft-education-advances-project-management-skills-and-sense-competence

The author of this website/blog/etc. is a participant of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program (Fulbright DA), a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. The views and information presented are the participant's own and do not represent the U.S.