Project Description

The project for the development of education for democratic citizenship and human rights education (EDC/HRE) in teacher training (1 August 2018–31 July 2021) explores how EDC/HRE-related learning content can be promoted in teacher training.

The project is based on previous studies, projects and reports. The University of Helsinki is also coordinating a national network of higher education providers as part of the cooperation associated with the UNESCO Chair in Values, Dialogue and Human Rights in Education.

Knowledge and skills relating to education for democratic citizenship and human rights education are key components of a teacher’s expertise and ever more important in an increasingly diverse society. In general, Finland is in a good position to provide education for democratic citizenship and human rights education. However, studies have shown that teachers’ skills vary significantly in this respect, and their knowledge of the related legal rules is fragmentary. Much depends on the active efforts of individual teachers. Although many have wished that the topics would be discussed in teacher training, no consistent training on education for democratic citizenship and human rights education is currently offered to all teachers.

Project objectives

  • Survey the material suitable for teachers of education for democratic citizenship and human rights education
  • Develop and pilot a web-based course in education for democratic citizenship and human rights education for teachers
  • Produce a project report to support further measures towards a more systematic exploration of the issues in teacher training
  • Produce a brochure of the situation of democracy and human rights education in Finland in Finnish, Swedish and English
  • Produce democracy, fundamental and human rights education learning materials for educational sector (fundamental and human rights in education, disability, indigenous rights, accessibility)
  • Support and enhance national and international co-operation (coordination of national network of higher education providers)
  • Advance democracy and human rights educaton research

The project will explore how education for democratic citizenship and human rights education can be developed into a more systematic component of teacher training and will seek means to establish consistent training. The topic will be investigated in cooperation with the Finnish network of higher education providers and by interviewing key parties. For more information on the cooperation, please click here.