A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
Elements of the Pedagogical Process in Finnish Early Childhood Education (2022)

Alila, K., Ukkonen-Mikkola, T., & Kangas, J. (2022). Elements of the Pedagogical Process in Finnish Early Childhood Education. In H. Harju-Luukkainen, J. Kangas, & S. Garvis (Eds.), Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care : A Multi-theoretical perspective on research and practice (pp. 257-274). Springer. Early Childhood Research and Education : An Inter-theoretical Focus. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95512-0_18

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Alila, Kirsi; Ukkonen-Mikkola, Tuulikki; Kangas, Jonna

Parent publication: Finnish Early Childhood Education and Care : A Multi-theoretical perspective on research and practice

Parent publication editors: Harju-Luukkainen, Heidi; Kangas, Jonna; Garvis, Susanne

ISBN: 978-3-030-95511-3

eISBN: 978-3-030-95512-0

Journal or series: Early Childhood Research and Education : An Inter-theoretical Focus

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 03/06/2022

Pages range: 257-274

Number of pages in the book: 280

Publisher: Springer

Place of Publication: Cham

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95512-0_18

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Abstract

This chapter introduces the Finnish Pedagogical Process as a central element of the educational system of early childhood education (ECE). A conceptual definition and shared understanding and interpretation of the educational process are essential for the high-quality pedagogical practices of ECE. We aim to create a conceptional framework of the Pedagogical Process through a theoretical analysis of the different aspects of the process. Through this framework, we provide and promote the evaluation and development debate of current pedagogical practices. This framework will provide the tools to identify, structure, phase, and clarify the Process as a management system that includes planning, implementation, and evaluation practices and policies. The Pedagogical Process of ECE is considered through the broader sense of a process approach, incorporating both actional and structural concepts as well as the actions, deeds, actors, understanding, and sequential chain of events. The Pedagogical Process of ECE described in this chapter is built around its central elements: the first central element as the aim of the Pedagogical Process is children’s development, learning, and wellbeing. The second central element influencing each premise and the aim is the staff. The four premises are modeled as the sub-entities around the central element and structurally influencing it and each other. The elements of the Finnish Pedagogical Process are: (1) Driving force and purpose, (2) Starting point, (3) Functional part, (4) Process outcomes. The multidimensional Pedagogical Process is not only about pedagogy but also related to an understanding of political, scientific, and professional operational practices and national policies surrounding the pedagogy.

Keywords: early childhood education and care; educational systems; pedagogy; processes; pedagogical planning

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2