Learning Multiliteracies from Early Years Onwards: An Educational Reform Initiative in Finland
Submitted by:
Kristiina Kumpulainen
Abstract:
This paper discusses the impetus and rationale for the introduction of multiliteracies in Finnish curriculum reform and defines what counts as multiliteracy in the Finnish context. The discussion links to the international research literature and notes some of the challenges in defining and promoting multiliteracies in education. The paper argues that although the inclusion of multiliteracy in curriculum texts is an important step, this is not in itself sufficient. In Finland, teachers are currently ill-prepared to conceptualize and consciously promote multiliteracies in education and, consequently, to implement the new curricula requirements. Ensuring that multiliteracies become an integral part of educational practice from early years onwards will require professional development coupled with research and development of pedagogy and learning environments. The paper introduces The Joy of Learning Multiliteracies (MOI), an ongoing national research and development programme launched by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture and researchers and teacher educators (www.monilukutaito.com). The programme responds to the need to conceptualise and promote young children's (0-8 years) engagement with multiliteracies in formal education and beyond through research and co-design of learning environments and pedagogies to enhance multiliteracies among culturally and linguistically diverse children, both in educational and cultural institutional settings and in homes and communities. Ten communities situated in the metropolitan area of Helsinki are participating in the MOI programme, each including an early years centre, a primary school, a local library and other local cultural providers within the community. The participating children and their families represent diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Altogether, about 1500 children and their guardians are participating in the MOI programme, along with 500 teachers. The research and development work involves close collaboration between the academics, teachers and community members in the field in co-designing the learning environments and documenting, reflecting on and analysing their works across settings from the perspective of children, teachers, families and institutions. Observation, video documentation and analysis, children's productions and artefacts, interviews and surveys of teachers, parents and the children themselves all contribute to building the MOI data corpus. The MOI programme's multilevel approach is designed to enhance understanding and promotion of children's multiliteracies through (a) designed learning activities; (b) communities of practice; (c) knowledge construction and creation and (d) agency and identity formation. It is further hoped that the programme will contribute to global discussion on the meaning and purpose of multiliteracies in contemporary education and in societies at large.
Kristiina Kumpulainen, PhD, is Professor of Education, specializing in pre-school and early primary education at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki. Recognized internationally for her scholarship Kumpulainen is the author of over 100 articles and 10 books. Her research interests focus on children's learning, development and wellbeing in their communities, formal and informal education, dialogic learning, agency and identity, multiliteracies, and professional development of teachers. She is the recipient of numerous research and development grants. Her current research projects include the Joy of learning multiliteracies (Funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture) and School-based makerspaces for promoting young learners' digital literacies and creativity (funded by the Academy of Finland). She is a regular keynote speaker in national and international conferences and venues.
Contact information: Kristiina Kumpulainen, Faculty of Educational Sciences, P.O.Box 9, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. Gsm: +358 50 3185221. Email: kristiina.kumpulainen@helsinki.fi