Co-teaching in northern rural Finnish schools

• Main Authors: Sirkko, R. (Riikka), Takala, M. (Marjatta), Wickman, K. (Kim)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Aberdeen 2018
• Subjects: Co-Teaching; Content Analysis; Experience; North Finland; Rural Area; Northern Finland
• Online Access: http://urn.fi/urn:nbn:fi-fe2018092036133

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.