Emma Kostiainen

Developing social competence and other generic skills in teacher education : applying the model of integrative pedagogy

Abstract The purpose of the study was to examine how social competence and other generic skills can be developed in teacher education using a pedagogical model called Integrative Pedagogy. This model is based on the idea of integrating the four basic components of expertise: Theoretical knowledge, practical knowledge, self-regulative knowledge, and sociocultural knowledge. The subjects of the study were 95 student-teachers. The data were collected with questionnaires. In addition to social skills, the student-teachers reported learning of domain-specific skills, generic academic skills, skills for acting creatively in different situations and development of independence. We conclude that the model of Integrative Pedagogy is feasible in teacher education.

Case study: developing campus spaces through co-creation

ABSTRACT Higher education institutions are designed to support their core processes – learning, teaching, research, and societal impact. In order for university facilities to support these activities, it is crucial to determine together with the users what these activities are and how they are supposed to be developed in the future. This article examines the relationship between user needs and the service level in construction projects through a case study where a university cafeteria was renovated using a participatory design (PD) method called charrette. The aim of this case study was to study the effects of collaborative ways of working when applied to a space retrofit project, and how the co-created ideas are actualized during the project. Based on video observation, project document analysis, and survey questionnaires, this research shows that PD duly provides a positive impact on the resulting premises, even though every part of the project may not be successful. However, the use of PD during the concept design phase does not necessarily guarantee success. The accomplishments can be undone in the later phases of the project if collaboration is not extended through the entire project. Further, the findings of this case study revealed a framework of user needs that can be used in design management in order to enhance the user perspective.