New LUMA Centre Finland to enhance national science skills
Finland is known for its excellent PISA rankings as well as a high level of academic competence and teacher training. To further support this high level of competence and lifelong education for teachers, the new LUMA Centre Finland was established.
Students visiting ChemistryLab Gadolin of LUMA Centre at University of Helsinki. Photo: Sakari Tolppanen.
On Friday November 8th the launch of LUMA Centre Finland was celebrated in an opening ceremony at the Kumpula Science Campus at the University of Helsinki. LUMA Centre Finland is a brand new concept that brings national science and technology education efforts closer together. The Centre was officially opened by the Finnish Minister for Education, Ms Krista Kiuru.
The aim of LUMA Centre Finland is to inspire and motivate children and youth into mathematics, natural sciences and technology through the latest methods and activities of science and technology education. The aim is also to support the life-long learning of teachers working on levels of education from early childhood to universities, and to strengthen the development of research-based teaching.
LUMA Centre Finland will be an umbrella organisation for both Finnish and international endeavours to promote sciences. The Centre will motivate children and young people to study mathematics, science and technology through new approaches, support teachers in developing their professional skills throughout their careers from early education to institutions of higher education, and enhance the development of research-based teaching at universities.
Minister Kiuru recognized the importance of the challenges science education is facing. “Although we Finns can be glad and proud of our success in international student evaluations, there is plenty of work to be done in improving skills in natural sciences, technology and mathematics,” she reminded the audience in her speech.
According to Kiuru LUMA Centre Finland could be part of the solution to these challenges. Already the regional centres “have been able to develop and research a rich variety of diverse activities to support learning and teaching. The centres offer plenty of approaches to engage students and youth in STEM subjects,” she said and added that the LUMA Centres are important collaboration partners and pioneers in developing science and technology education.
“The key to a bright future for Finland is its skillful teachers, children and young people who are excited about mathematics, science and technology. LUMA Centre Finland unites us all in this important mission. Together we can achieve more!” announces the newly appointed director of LUMA Centre Finland, professor Maija Aksela from the University of Helsinki.
“Even though Finnish pupils excel in international learning rankings, we must work systematically to promote the appreciation of teaching, learning and the studying of science and mathematics. By recognising the value, status and significance of different fields we can help construct a foundation that will motivate both teachers and students to further develop their own work. The discussion on the status of sciences and mathematics could serve as a starting point for a campaign to increase appreciation for education and science in general,” suggests Assistant Professor Pekka Hirvonen, chair of the Board of LUMA Centre Finland.
Maija Pollari is a science journalist whose background is in molecular biology research. She enjoys flamenco dancing, reading, and roleplaying adventures.