Starting points for teaching

The philosophy of teaching at the University of Helsinki encapsulates the principles to which the University as a community is committed. The three principles are: 1) teaching is based on research, 2) the University is a high–quality learning community and environment and 3) teaching is aimed at learning.

Teaching is based on research

• All teachers research and all researchers teach.
• All students adopt a research-based approach and familiarise themselves with research activities throughout their studies.

The University is a high–quality learning community and environment

• Students are active and responsible members of the academic community who are taken into consideration as individuals, and their contribution is valued in all University operations.
• Teaching develops inclusivity at the University and promotes wellbeing.

Teaching is aimed at learning

• The aim of studying is to gain in-depth and appropriate knowledge and skills. The criteria for successful teaching are based on the quality and meaningfulness of learning as well as on high-quality learning outcomes.
• Teaching is implemented in a blended manner to allow teaching methods to support the achievement of important learning outcomes and the meaningfulness of studies.

The philosophy of teaching at the University of Helsinki is part of a larger framework of teaching and studies that includes the Ethical principles of teaching and studies at the University of Helsinki as well as the University’s teaching skills evaluation criteria used, for instance, at the Teachers’ Academy and in the evaluation of the teaching merits of those applying to teaching positions. Together these documents uphold the basic values of strategic planning and practical teaching at the University.

The philosophy of teaching at the University of Helsinki (pdf)

The Ethical principles of Studying and Teaching at the University of Helsinki have been created to make visible the values and ideals of the university community. The principles help when assessing the realisation of shared values. They describe the starting points and characteristics of ethically high-quality teaching and studying as a guideline for teachers, students and other staff.

The three ideals of university teaching and studies and the characteristics of their realisation:

Studying and teaching combine the three tasks of universities

• Teaching and research are not viewed as mutually competitive activities; instead, the academic community continues to develop ways to combine the two to their mutual benefit.
• Research-based teaching is inspiring because it provides the opportunity to share and generate research ideas, disseminate and test the results and relevance of the research and interact with students.
• Teaching and studies take place in an encouraging atmosphere where the activities of different parties are appreciated.
• Teaching and studies are characterised by responsibility for one’s actions, commitment to one’s work and acknowledgement of the contribution of others.

Studying and teaching bring together the actors of the university

• Teaching and studies are considered to be key activities of the entire work community, and their implementation and quality is everyone’s joint and individual responsibility.
• Teaching is planned and implemented and studies arranged in a way that supports joint activities and open interaction.
• The relationships between participants are based on mutual trust and appreciation shown for the expertise and competence of others.
• Teachers and students commit themselves to joint activities and always do their best to succeed in the task at hand.

High-quality teaching and studying at the university characterise the university’s quality as a community

• The activities of people participating in teaching cooperation are based on mutual respect.
• Collaboration and mutual learning and sharing are valued and promoted.
• The participants’ differing needs and expectations are taken into consideration in all activities, the aim being to tie these in with the common objectives.
• Individuals continuously assess their own actions from various perspectives. Criticism and suggested improvements are approached openly and positively, viewing them as resources boosting development.

Ethical issues

Different types of unexpected problems may present themselves in the course of university teaching and studies. Sometimes they are best described as ethical issues.

The Ethical principles of Studying and Teaching at the University of Helsinki document describes some of these issues and gives a proposal on the points that should be taken into consideration when discussing and investigating these issues. Ethical issues are discussed in four areas:

• freedom and responsibility
• further development of teaching and studies
• conflict between research and teaching
• the University as a work community

Ethical principles of Studying and Teaching at the University of Helsinki (pdf)

In the academic year 2022-2023, the University of Helsinki was celebrating teaching. As part of the year’s activities, the University implemented the project Opetuksen tulevaisuus 2035 (‘Future of Teaching 2035’) to develop scenarios for the futures of teaching and learning through workshops and interviews with experts.

In addition to teaching and learning, the scenarios 2035 describe change in the operating environment more broadly. The scenarios can be used to take ideas further and for inspiration in a wide range of contexts and from a variety of perspectives. They make it possible to develop the teaching and methods of faculties, as well as the support services for and expertise in teaching.

The scenarios and the final report are intended for long-term internal use by the University community. You can find them on Flamma's page Starting points for teaching (requires login with university username).

Summary of the scenarios (pdf)