ERIC Number: EJ1213785
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Apr
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0313-5373
EISSN: N/A
Understanding Teacher Evaluation in Finland: A Professional Development Framework
Tarhan, Hakan; Karaman, A. Cendel; Kemppinen, Lauri; Aerila, Juli-Anna
Australian Journal of Teacher Education, v44 n4 Article 3 p33-50 Apr 2019
This study explores the characteristics of the teacher evaluation model in Finland. Highlighting the unique qualities of the Finnish case, we also compare these teacher evaluation practices with the increasingly applied value-added model (VAM) for teacher evaluation across the globe. Our analysis revealed that the Finnish Model prioritises teacher empowerment and professional development by carrying out bottom-up evaluation practices. With a clear focus on teacher empowerment and professional development, this framework substantially differs from accountability measures such as VAM, which emphasize rigid data collection procedures and the use of standardized test scores to hold teachers accountable based on their students' academic performance. This study also revealed that professional development endeavours of teachers are highlighted as the key elements in Finnish teacher evaluation. Ongoing needs analyses for professional development also form the basis for assessing teachers in Finland.
Descriptors: Teacher Evaluation, Teacher Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Faculty Development, Value Added Models, Accountability, Teacher Empowerment, Standardized Tests, Academic Achievement
Edith Cowan University. Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, West Australia 6050, Australia. Web site: http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Finland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A