The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and characteristics of virtual learning objects in selected classroom cases. Four Finnish cases represented such pedagogical approaches as student-centeredness, process orientation and collaborative inquiry. The case study approach enabled the investigation of concrete practices in using…

Objective: To study childhood predictors for late adolescence criminality. Method: The follow-up sample included 2,713 Finnish boys born in 1981. Information about the 8-year-old boys' problem behavior was obtained from parents, teachers, and the children themselves. The follow-up information about criminal offenses was based on the national…

At the beginning of 1973 there were slightly more than 200,000 Finnish citizens residing abroad. The great majority of these emigres (over 90 percent) have moved to Sweden, including 90,000 school age children. Trying to resolve difficulties these children face, Finnish authorities, with their Swedish counterparts, have developed 3 goals: (1) to…

Bruce Jilk, conference chairman for the American Institute of Architects' Committee on Architecture for Education Fall Meeting (Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 7-10, 2000) provides his views on the future of schools, school/community integration, and shared spaces with surrounding businesses. Mr. Jilk comments on Finland's Heinavaara Elementary…

This paper presents the characteristic features of a method for description and evaluation of learning environments which aims at the improvement of the traditional questionnaire-based methods and the integration of the varying points of view of design, support for learning, and evaluation. This method, called Integrated Pedagogical Profile (IPP)…

Studies with 8 children in the United Kingdom and 30 in Finland show that verbal interactions of children doing collaborative writing with a computer are highly task-related and characterized by exchange of information, questioning, judging, organizing, and composing. Exploratory and argumentational use of language was found to be low. (SLD)

Qualitative features of teacher-student interaction during classroom teaching and learning while modern technological thinking and problem-solving skills were mediated were studied for 22 seventh-grade boys in Finland. Reciprocal understanding between teacher and student were necessary in order for the teacher's special instructional assistance to…

Discusses a goal-oriented project, focused on open learning environments using computer networks, called Distance Learning in Multimedia Networks that was part of the Finnish Multimedia Program. Describes the combined efforts of Finnish telecommunications companies, content providers, publishing houses, hardware companies, and educational…

This paper explores the social use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the city of Tampere, Finland. It focuses on two essential elements: the city (as the location with national context) and citizens (as members of the "local" information society). The paper also examines the question of building social networks via…

A study of the affective "filter" inhibiting student learning of a second language focuses on the critical features of the filter, especially student self-concept and the general roles of personality traits and learning attitudes. Relevant research on motivation, personality traits, attitudes, and self-concept as they relate to learning…

In order to give a draft picture of the church- and school-based literacy campaigns in Sweden, some of the historical sources, problems, methods, and preliminary results from a broad research project on the two campaigns are discussed. (IAH)

The school is part of the surrounding society and reflects prevailing values and developments in that society. Changes in the pupils, in their living environments and in the community as a whole require sensitivity on the part of the teacher and a readiness to attempt to predict the future from the point of view of the pupils. The professionalism…

In the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) 2000 study, Finnish students showed significantly higher reading achievement than students of any other country/region. Finland also ranked among the best five countries in mathematical and scientific literacy. In Finland, the gap between high and low performers was relatively narrow,…

This report presents Phase 1 of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) 3-phase Preprimary Project being conducted in 11 to 15 countries. The project spans the years 1987 through 1997. The Preprimary Project has been designed to be conducted in three interrelated phases: Phase 1, a household survey in each…

Uses personal narratives and a literature review to examine the status of creativity in Finland's schools. Describes the Finnish school system and how creativity is nurtured at various grade levels, and examines how teachers can arrange a creative learning environment. Maintains that teacher-education departments need students willing to use their…