As I'm about to leave Finland after spending three months here (Jan-Mar 2011) on a research visit to University of Helsinki's CRADLE, these are my final, random thoughts as I reflect on the experience:
Research
- As one of the researchers at CRADLE told me, you have to be here if you really want to understand the theory of expansive learning. I agree. The complexity of the theory and some of the concepts has revealed itself in its full glory here. Not surpirsing as concept formation is at the heart of the theory. But being able to attend a good number of lectures on organisational learning, dialectics and developmental dialogue, plus some doctoral seminars, and especially discussing ideas with fellow researchers, have really helped to make learning progress.
- One key to all the doors. It was surprising to me that I was given a key that opened the doors to all the rooms in the research centre. This reflects a high level trust and collaboration in this working environment.
- Big move. I was lucky enough to take part in the removal of the centre from one location in Helsinki to another. The new location is gorgeous, in a historic building right in the city centre. And I was allowed to save hundreds of copies of articles and chapters before they were thrown away, from what they called 'the shed', which was a tiny room packed-full with readings and data from the last six of years of prolific work done at the centre.
- Best room. Incidentally, my fellow visiting research and I were given the best room in the new facilities. Professor Engeström, one of the directors of the centre, argued that the decision was taken because 'we have to treat visitors kindly'. Unbelievable.
Teaching
- It was surprising to find that the teaching style at university level is quite traditional in that it's lecture-based and teacher-centred.
- However, during a visit to a high school in Gesterby, we found a very relaxed atmosphere, with the teacher negotiating tasks with the students and sharing coffee and biscuits during class. Most students in that particular group I observed worked part-time, and the cafeteria at the school is run by students.
- A great discovery was the work led by Leena Karlsson at the University of Helsinki's Language Centre. She has been spearheading an autonomous language learning programme called ALMS, which I found incredibly innovative and bold. Her doctoral thesis tells the story of a person of deep humanity and passion (link).
Life
- Things that struck me during my time in Helsinki were the safe city environment, the great cultural offerings, how efficiently everything works, how kind, nice and friendly (but not over the top) Finns are.