A1 Journal article (refereed)
Finnish teachers as civic educators : From vision to action (2020)

Fornaciari, A., & Rautiainen, M. (2020). Finnish teachers as civic educators : From vision to action. Citizenship Teaching and Learning, 15(2), 187-201. https://doi.org/10.1386/ctl_00028_1(external link)

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Fornaciari, Aleksi; Rautiainen, Matti

Journal or series: Citizenship Teaching and Learning

ISSN: 1751-1917

eISSN: 1751-1925

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: 01/06/2020

Volume: 15

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 187-201

Publisher: Intellect

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/ctl_00028_1(external link)

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71824(external link)

Abstract

In this article, we examine Finnish class teachers as citizenship educators. Over the last ten years, the autonomous position of the Finnish teacher has become a symbol of the world-famous education system, and this study aims to illustrate how this freedom comes true in the framework of teacher as a citizenship educator. A prior study shows that teachers mostly share the same universal values, emphasizing altruism rather than individualism. Socially, teachers are more focused on maintaining the status quo and continuity of society than changing it radically. This article aims to answer the question how teachers define their role between society and individual learners and how they prioritize their social educational objectives. We collected our empirical data from teachers and conceptualized it using the framework of three kinds of citizens by Joel Westheimer and Joseph Kahne. This study demonstrates that the level of understanding and interest towards social and societal issues does not easily develop into preparedness or willingness to participate or act. This is a concern worth noticing in teacher education and studies regarding teacher profession in general.

Keywords: educational systems; teachers; teacher training; citizenship education; democracy

Free keywords: Finnish educational system; Finnish teachers; citizenship education; competences for democratic culture; primary school teachers; teacher education

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1