Release Date: 2025-02-25

21 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, led by faculty members Zhang Yijing and Xiao Xiyao, participated in the "LUMA Teacher Training Program" winter exchange program at the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku in Finland from February 13 to 23rd, 2025. The exchange program was focused on innovation and practice in science education, which has involved academic lectures, classroom observations, scientific practice, and cultural visits to explore the Finnish education system and teacher training models in depth.

Figure 1:Arriving at the University of Turku.

Course Learning: Integration of Theory and Practice

The academic part of the programs has concentrated on the intersection of psychology and science education. Oona Kiviluoto, specialist at the LUMA Centre Finland network, systematically introduced Finland's national strategy for science education. Dr. Lotta Uusitalo has given a lecture entitled "Positive Pedagogy and the Use of Strengths in Learning" using the PERMA model of positive psychology (positive emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, and achievement) to explain why focusing on students' strengths can enhance teaching effectiveness. During the course, students and teachers interacted through personality strength cards and case studies of the "iceberg model" for goal achievement, experiencing the learner-centered educational philosophy.

Figure 2: Lotta Uusitalo applies positive psychology to education.

The delegation paid a visit to a comprehensive nine-year secondary school in Helsinki to observe English and mathematics classes. Where the students could observe open discussions, interdisciplinary task design, and teacher-guided questioning strategies demonstrated in Finnish basic education system and emphasis the key role of students' critical thinking.

Figure 3: Observing classes at the nine-year integrated school

Scientific Practice: From Laboratory to Educational Frontline

At the Helsinki Science Center Heureka, students observed over 400 interactive exhibits which has transformed principles of physics, chemistry, and other disciplines into fun experiments. Students intuitively understood scientific knowledge by building wind turbine models and operating molecular structure devices. The Science Museum showcased the trajectory of Finnish technological innovation through exhibits such as Nokia communication devices and polar scientific research equipment.

At the University of Turku, the students team has deeply engaged in science education practice, including:

1. Phenomenon-Based Learning Experiment guided by Laszlo Major and Matleena Tuomisto. Students conducted the "mystery powder identification" experiment (observing physical characteristics, acid-base reactions, etc.) to grasp the logic of phenomenon-based teaching design.

Figure 4: Exploring the mysterious powder.

(1) Liquid Nitrogen Superconductivity Experiment given by Dr. Pasi Nurmi, which demonstrated low-temperature physical phenomena such as liquid nitrogen magnetic levitation and high-speed operation of superconducting tracks.

(3) 3D Printing Workshop given by Professor Heidi Piili, which instructed students in operating industrial printers to complete works such as metal Eiffel Tower models and explored the application prospects of 3D printing of biological tissues.