Finnish Teachers Embrace SCISSORS Programme in Gdansk: A Week of Learning, Unity, and the “Happy Angel”

As a partner in the SCISSORS project, the Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER) has contributed to the teacher training program, which recently brought a delegation of educators from Finland to Gdansk, Poland. The involvement of the STEAM expert Innovative Learning Environment (ILE) research group at FIER contributes to the advancement of pedagogical approaches that seamlessly integrate science and the humanities.

Published

21.12.2023

The training in Gdansk, 18-22 September, 2023, aimed to bring science closer to students through analogies and bridge the gap between scientific understanding and social experience. Additionally, it sought to boost students’ interest in science by equipping educators with methods to manage classroom diversity and create connections between scientific and social understanding.

The educators from Finland, Mirka Havinga from Sydän Laukaa School, Toshinori (Toshi) Sasakura from University of Jyväskylä and Hiroki Tokudome from Kielilukio, Helsinki, shared their testimonials about their enriching experience in Gdansk.

Mirka expressed her delight in the collaborative spirit of the Finnish team, emphasising their openness to training, the city, and each other. Despite language differences, a strong mutual respect and eagerness to communicate prevailed. Mirka fondly referred to the unique bond forged during the training as the "Happy Angel," a special connection that carried them through the entire week.

Hiroki conveyed his gratitude to the Finnish team for creating a training environment filled with respect and love. The small study group quickly formed a cohesive team that valued mutual respect. Hiroki highlighted the memorable evenings, beautiful sunrises, and sunsets that enhanced their experience, affirming that the "Happy Angel" was the perfect moniker for their team.

Toshi offered insights into the training's impact on teaching methods. Using the metaphor of painting, he stressed the importance of training to reach goals while searching for the means. Toshi shared a lesson plan inspired by the Tale of the Heike, focusing on encouraging students to contemplate their own futures. Toshi shared playful insights into the training's impact on teaching methods, weaving a creative tapestry akin to the STEAM acronym (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). The week in Gdansk, as summarised by Toshi, was an acronym: S for Sunrise, T for Teamwork, E for Enjoy, A for Aid, and M for Miracle, represented by Mirka.

The teachers from Finland left Gdansk with not only enhanced teaching skills but also lasting memories of unity, respect, and the indomitable spirit of the "Happy Angel" that will undoubtedly influence their future endeavours in education.The SCISSORS project, which focuses on developing competences for creating teaching materials that connect science and humanity, proved to be a resounding success for the participants.