International Teacher Education Conference 2014 1

International Teacher Education Conference 2014
Feedback on the study unit. At universities students give verbal feedback on teaching. The feedback covers
the following areas:
1) The acquired knowledge with regard to the learning objectives.
2) The work load during the study unit measured in working hours.
3) Learning methods and environment used during the study unit.
4) Positive things during the study unit
5) Things to improve
6) Any other comments to the teacher!
The teacher receives the feedback and it will be processed with the manager in development discussions. The
teacher is expected to consider the given feedback when planning the study units.
COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Development discussions. The managers at VAMK have development discussions with the teachers every
spring, i.e. once a year. The development discussions are based on a questionnaire filled in beforehand. The
discussions concern topics such as evaluation, the upcoming work, objectives and expectations, development
plans, etc. The manager will also receive feedback on the management.
Development plan for teachers. A development plan is made for teachers on the basis of the knowledge
map as well as student and manager feedback. The teachers evaluate their pedagogical competency with regard
to the objectives in pedagogic operations on scale 1-5 (novice - expert). In addition to this they define the
objectives of their pedagogic competency, methods of development, and the schedule for development together
with the manager. Reaching the objectives will be monitored and evaluated in the following development
discussion.
Personnel program and orientation. VAMK personnel program provides information about work
community, competency, and management development. In addition to this the objectives for development and
operations program have been made for the following year. The Unit of Education formulated an orientation
guidebook for VAMK during spring 2013. It is in electronic form and includes electronic links. The orientation
guidebook includes statutes concerning orientation, an information packet for a new employee, information
about VAMK telecommunications, and instructions for the teaching personnel. Attached to the orientation
guidebook is an orientation form to enable monitoring the orientation process. The manager is always
responsible for the orientation of the employees.
Instructions for the teaching personnel are updated annually. The teachers have a possibility for additional
information or discussion on operations program. The aim is to achieve coherent knowledge and skills on
pedagogic program, study unit descriptions, AHOT instructions, accepting credits, guidelines for final thesis and
assessment.
SUMMARY
Nowadays every organization requires ICT skills and communication and language skills. Teachers’
pedagogical skills are important at universities since school dropouts, graduating within standard time and
employment are key factors in current financial model. Teachers’ pedagogic skills also have a significant
influence on the advance of student’s studies. Pedagogic skills and substance knowledge need constant updating
since society becomes more IT oriented and international, and students are more demanding than earlier.
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