Browsing by Author "Mäkinen, Lauri"

Goals. The aim of this study is to describe, analyze and interpret circulation of a proposal for comment for general national objectives and distribution of lesson hours in basic education in Finland. Main focus is in comments dealing with Religious Education (RE). There were in all 230 comments, of whom 35 cover RE. Comments took place in 23.8.2011 – 31.5.2012. Approach. In this Master's Thesis content analysis is used as a research method. It was used twice. Firstly, content analysis was needed to categorize different models of organizing religious education in research data. Secondly, different arguments behind different models were categorized and analyzed. In both cases analysis was a mix of theory-based and data-based approach. Categories representing different models of organizing RE were created mixing Pyysiäinen's visions of future RE in Finland and opinions that stood out in the research data. Arguments relating to RE models were as well analyzed and categorized mixing theories and research data. Conclusion. A vast majority of comments suggested religious education reform. Only four statements wished that current model should remain while 20 statements suggested that RE should be mutual and compulsory subject to all pupils were they members of any religious community or not. Arguments used in debate were not surprising. Current organizing model was defended using sociological, all-round educational and multicultural arguments. Increasing equality and promoting dialogue in schools were the most important arguments that called for religious education reform.