Co-teaching in northern rural Finnish schools

Abstract Focusing on a rural municipality in northern Finland, the aim of this study is to investigate educators’ thoughts and experiences with co-teaching. The data from 40 teachers were collected via an electronic questionnaire, and a mixed-methods approach was used. In the quantitative responses,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sirkko, R. (Riikka), Takala, M. (Marjatta), Wickman, K. (Kim)
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: University of Aberdeen 2018
Subjects:
Online Access:http://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi-fe2018092036133
Description
Summary:Abstract Focusing on a rural municipality in northern Finland, the aim of this study is to investigate educators’ thoughts and experiences with co-teaching. The data from 40 teachers were collected via an electronic questionnaire, and a mixed-methods approach was used. In the quantitative responses, the teachers positioned themselves as spokespeople for co-teaching, even though they had little experience with this teaching method. The written responses were condensed into four main themes: requirements, interpretations, inclusion and joy. Various requirements, such as more time for planning, better facilities to teach in and more training, were required before co-teaching could be executed. However, those who had co-taught expressed joy and improved wellbeing at work compared with their time teaching alone. Finally, the various themes of teachers’ experiences in relation to co-teaching are discussed.