Pedagogical practices

At Turku UAS, learning and teaching is student-centered, workplace-based and student-driven: students produce their own knowledge and apply their skills in various tasks and projects. Our pedagogical solutions are based on practical research. We develop our teaching to meet the needs of a changing world.

Our aim is to equip students with not only sector-specific work skills and generic competences, but also with the tools for living well and promoting sustainable development. This includes basic skills for sustainable development, the ability to work in a multicultural society and in an international environment, openness and digital literacy.

Our emphasis

High quality skills

Diverse pedagogical solutions

Personalised learning experience

Flexible learning online and on campus

Our competency-based learning plan assesses competences and their development. The flexible curriculum allows for the integration of research and development with interdisciplinary teaching.

We encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning. Students are supported by continuous guidance and feedback and a variety of assessment methods.

Innovation pedagogy as an approach

Learning and teaching are based on an innovation pedagogy approach developed by Turku University of Applied Sciences, which focuses on experimentation, sharing knowledge and expertise and combining different perspectives.

Innovation pedagogy can be implemented in a variety of ways and can be based on sector-specific pedagogical solutions. Learning methods and environments that activate the student are used. Learning situations are guided individual or group work. During the studies, students from different disciplines work together and part of the learning can take place in the workplace or, for example, as part of an international research and development project.

Learning on campus, online and hybrid

Learning on campus and online is practical and based on active and interactive learning, in line with innovation pedagogy. We support students in building social relationships, community and attachment to their studies from the beginning, both on campus and online.

We provide hybrid teaching alternately on campus and remotely, as appropriate. We do not favour simultaneous hybrid teaching, but our modern facilities make it possible where necessary. Theoretical learning takes place mainly online, while practical tasks requiring manual skills are carried out on campus. Our versatile learning spaces support different ways of working and use the latest technology.

Our work-based learning environments support our pedagogical approach. In cooperatives, students act as entrepreneurs and develop their skills. The learning environment can also be an advice centre, where students learn about the sector and provide services to citizens.

Students gain practical skills by working in our modern laboratory and simulation facilities. Research skills are developed by learning and working in our research teams. Creative work is studied, for example, in rehearsal theatre or in a circus training school. Students share their knowledge by organising events, performances and exhibitions open to the public.

We cooperate in education and share facilities with universities in the region. Our network campuses are Technology Campus Turku, Health Campus Turku and Culture Campus Turku.

Our services to business and individuals are also delivered as student work, acting as learning environments. Learning environments in the arts include events open to the public, such as performances and exhibitions.

Student guidance

Students receive a wide range of guidance at different stages of their studies. We guide the learning process and the development of skills.

In addition to pedagogical guidance, students receive support for professional growth and career guidance, personal guidance to support their learning ability and other advice.

The tutor will guide the student throughout the course. If necessary, he or she will refer the student to other well-being support services. The counsellor is involved in the guidance of students in situations where a wider range of guidance expertise is needed. A range of language and guidance services are offered to students from a foreign background.

Students work together to promote learning and study and are supported by each other. Trained student tutors and VIP students act as peer mentors and are involved in supporting students during their studies.

We want to provide an accessible and equal learning environment and opportunities for active participation for all our students.