(ILE) Finnish Researchers Visit Uruguay to Strengthen Educational Collaboration and Share STEAM Insights
Their visit was organized in partnership with the University of Montevideo—specifically with Dean Francisco O'Reilly; Ana Cristina Chiusano, Academic Coordinator and Director of the MA in English Language and Bilingual Intercultural Education; and Josefina Calvete, Coordinator of Teacher Education at the Faculty of Humanities and Education. The program also included collaboration with Dr. Carlos Libich from Plan Ceibal, Cecilia Russo from UTEC (Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay), and other academic institutions.
The visit also formed part of a broader international teaching initiative and included participation in the FinnUruSTEAM mobility program.
Highlights from the Program
Saturday, May 17 – Session with MA Students and Faculty
The researchers led a session titled Experiences in Finnish Education & Action Research at the University of Montevideo’s main campus. Open to graduate students and faculty, the session provided insights into the values and practices that underpin Finland’s education system—emphasizing equity, inclusion, and student well-being. Drawing from their work with the Innovative Learning Environments Research Group, Orsolya and Matias also discussed their doctoral research and ongoing international projects.
The session included a hands-on workshop exploring action competence and planetary well-being, including a critical-thinking activity using the Warka Water tower concept as a prompt for sustainable innovation in education.
Monday, May 19 – Visit to Plan Ceibal and STEAM Workshop
At Plan Ceibal, the team facilitated a hands-on STEAM workshop titled HANDS-on STEAM EXPERIENCE, introducing participants to fog-catching technologies like the Warka Water tower as a practical solution for water scarcity. The session combined environmental science, engineering, and innovation, offering participants a chance to build their own fog collectors and explore STEAM as a tool for global problem-solving.
Monday, May 19 - Session with future teachers on STEAM education
Later that day, the researchers returned to the University of Montevideo for a session with future teachers on STEAM education. Hosted at LATU Campus, the discussion focused on the interdisciplinary nature of STEAM and the essential competencies—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and sustainability—that educators must nurture in their students to address today’s global challenges.
Looking Ahead
The visit strengthened academic ties between Finnish and Uruguayan institutions, sparked interest in continued exchange and collaboration, and laid the groundwork for future projects. Discussions also explored possibilities for co-authored publications and further development of STEAM resources.
Thank you to to all partners and participants for your warm hospitality and enriching conversations, and especially to the students and teachers whose contributions made this visit both insightful and inspiring!
We are looking forward to future plans together!
