Research studies promote student teachers’ professional learning and student teachers regard research studies as an important part of their teacher education. Furthermore, active learning experiences reinforce the positive effect of research studies on teachers’ professional competencies. Research studies are important element of teacher education and should be integrated with other parts of teacher education.

In Finnish: Tutkimustaitojen opinnot tukevat opettajaopiskelijoiden ammatillista kehitystä ja opettajaksi opiskelevat kokevat että tutkimustaitoja kehittävät opinnot ovat tärkeä osa heidän koulutustaan. Tutkimustaitojen opintojen lisäksi myös aktivoivat työtavat opintojen aikana edistävät opettajan ammatillisten kompetenssien kehittymistä. Tutkimustaitojen ja tutkimusosaamisen koulutuksen tulisi olla integroituna opettajankoulutukseen sen yhtenä keskeisenä ja olennaisena osana.

Original research article: Niemi, H., & Nevgi, A. (2014). Research studies and active learning promoting professional competences in Finnish teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 43, 131–142. DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2014.07.006

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate how student teachers benefit from authentic researcher experiences as part of their pre-service education. The data were collected by electronic questionnaires (n . 287) at two Finnish Universities. Teacher education programs guided student teachers to use and conduct research in the teaching profession. The results indicate that student teachers value research experiences. Research studies promoted professional competences and supported students’ growth toward evidence-based practice and 21st century skills. Active learning experiences reinforced this positive effect. The implementation of research studies, quality of supervisors and integration with other studies were crucial.