Browsing by Author "Laine, Johanna"

The purpose of this study was to explore how kindergarten teachers evaluate their experiences of continuing education and what kind of continuing education they feel that they need. In addition to this the study also wanted to find out how kindergarten teachers feel continuing education influence on their expertise. There is a statutory continuing education obligation in the kindergarten teachers profession. Also earlier studies have shown that teachers feel continuing education to be motivating them in their coping at work. Also new kindergarten teachers feel that possibilities in professional development affirm their commitment to the industry. This study carried out as qualitative research. Data for the research was collected via interviewing three kindergarten teachers. They all had over twenty years of experience working as teachers. They were chosen for the study based on their experience in continuing education. The interviews were carried out as focused interviews. The collected audio data was then transcribed. Transcribed data was then analyzed using theory guided content analysis. Kindergarten teachers evaluated their experiences in continuing education based on supply and they felt that it was sufficient. The study also showed that kindergarten teachers felt that there were now more supply in continuing education than before. In addition the study showed that the support of superior in taking part in continuing education was an important factor for kindergarten teachers. They felt that shift arrangements were mainly the negative side of participation in continuing education. Kindergarten teachers also felt that the current topics of continuing education were important. All kindergarten teachers that participated in this study hoped that in the future the subjects of continuing education would concentrate on the changes happening in the field of early learning. They all mentioned the new national early learning plan. All kindergarten teachers felt that continuing education supported their expertise.