Concept of continuous learning defined by strategic steering group
A strategic steering group for continuous learning began its work at TAMK in the spring of 2023. A steering group is necessary, because continuous learning is one of the key areas of development in the near future and functions related to continuous learning are spread across different units. Coordinated insight is also required for the Digivision 2030 development work. All functions critical to continuous learning are represented in the strategic steering group. Over the course of the autumn, the steering group defined the meaning of continuous learning at TAMK: TAMK’s definition of continuous learning is ready (tuni.fi/en).
Continuous learning activities related to education have increased considerably during the past year. Newly introduced were education on technology, business economy, healthcare and culture funded by the Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment. In addition, TAMK began two preparatory programmes for higher education studies designed for immigrants. One is conducted in English as part of the national PrepProg project, the other is organised by TAMK in Finnish, with 18 enrolled students.
In terms of issued credits, the university of applied sciences grew by over 3,000 credits from the previous year. We also launched a new 30-credit degree programme focused on digital business, designed together with the Finnish Commerce Federation. We launched 6 specialisation studies during the year. We continue to be the largest organiser of specialisation studies in Finland.
Continuous learning is the cornerstone of TAMK’s business. In 2023, we organised over 40 fee-paying programmes for Finnish and international customers. These studies were arranged across all five TAMK schools. In education in Finnish, Social Services and Health Care plays a particularly prominent role. Designed for international students, our International Business & Risk Management and Circular Economy degrees raised a lot of interest.
In 2023, skills data generated by research, development, innovation and learning (RDIL) activities was included in the definition of continuous learning and the value of its systematisation was recognised. In the future, this helps make operating models and contents of continuous learning more research-based and working life-centric while improving forecasting and infrastructures.
In 2023, continuing education received feedback 360 times. The survey collects feedback on education’s usefulness, content and method of implementation, functionality of the learning environment and how learning is organised, as well as likelihood to recommend. Feedback was generally very positive: the average score for a question was 8+ – for instance, likelihood to recommend received a score of 8.6 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Thank you for great education! You managed to build an atmosphere in the group that was both safe and conducive to learning. I feel that personally I got a lot out of my education.
– Customer feedback for continuing educationExcellent. Wealth of up-to-date information and materials, with good communication and guidance on practical matters.
– Customer feedback for continuing education
Explore continuous learning key figures.
Text:
Hanna Ilola, Director, Pedagogical Innovations and Culture
Hannu Koponen, Business Operations Manager
Lea Yli-Koivisto, Head of Continuous Learning
Markus Aho, Innovation Manager, Applied Research Center
Editors: TAMK Communications
Images: Konsta Leppänen