Projects

ERA Chair in Sustainable Futures

2024-2029

Project team: Kai Pata, Anu Realo, Riin Ehin, Terje Väljataga, Grete Arro, Katrin Männik, Mari-Liis Jakobson, Leif Kalev, Jaanus Terasmaa,Tarmo Pikner

The project will combine high-level research with the development of innovative solutions to promote a sustainable mindset and practices. By integrating expertise from multiple disciplines and fostering international collaboration, the project also aims to enhance the university’s research excellence and capacity. The project stands out for its outstanding interdisciplinary team, which brings together experts from a wide range of fields in the social sciences and humanities. To enhance collaboration with various partners, including representatives from the public and private sectors, the project will adopt the Open Lab approach.
The project is funded by the European Commission's ERA Chair programme.

A selection of prior projects	ETIS	Project team	Duration
Discovery trail - Systematic use of digital outdoor learning tool The partners of the "Discovery Trail" project from Estonia, Finland, Greece and Austria bring together the fields of education, psychology, ecology and educational technology and explore the possibilities of using the digital solution of the Discovery Trail in nature education. In the course of the project, we will translate the Discovery Path application into different languages, develop technical solutions (to be more user-friendly), and introduce the application and paths created with local and international training to teachers and nature education centers in the participating countries. In addition, multilingual examples will be developed in the field of biodiversity to support the meaningful use of the application, and their potential impact on changing students' perceptions of biodiversity will be explored.	TKA21192	Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov Esta Kaal Mihkel Kangur Grete Arro Jaanus Terasmaa Arko Olesk	2021–2024
Developing and enhanching the teaching quality of inclusive education curriculum The aim of the project is to equip both acting and future teachers with knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to promote inclusiveness and decrease segregation of SEN students. The objective is to enhance inclusive education and promote the development, testing and implementation of innovative practices in the field of teacher training in inclusive education. The project will help to identify and address the causes that prevent teachers from supporting SEN pupils´ integration into regular classrooms and implementing the principles of inclusive education, as well as to strengthen the competencies and capacity of the Estonian universities in this field. Funded by SA Archimedes.	TÕA19009	Katrin Poom-Valickis Triin Ulla Tiia Õun Piret Soodla Tiiu Tammemäe Lii Lilleoja Ene Varik-Maasik Eliis Ait	2019–2024
CitiesGoGreen: Application for the development of green and smart city CitiesGoGreen aim to bring together environmental education, the method of gamification and STEM as an educational tool. The main objectives of the project are the following: 1. To cultivate the environmental consciousness of pupils together with other transversal skills and competences. 2. To develop a theoretical framework based on which it will cultivate the environmental consciousness of primary school pupils of age 10-12 years 3. To engage pupils with STEM and to develop the key skills of pupils through STEM 4 To design a state of the art game that will combine ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS, Gamification and STEM 5. To develop an assessment tool that will be used prior and after the game to measure the skills gained through the game. The main focus of the assessment tool is the assessment of environmental consciousness. However other skills developed through STEM and through gamification will also be developed. The objective of this project is to educate pupils in the age of 10-12 years old on the importance of being green, and demonstrating sincere interest in the environment. Funded by Erasmus+ KA220-SCH-Cooperation partnership in school education.	TKA22035	Janika Leoste, Inge Timoštšuk, Kaidi Nurmik, Sirly Väät, Mihkel Kangur	2021–2024
Horizon 2020 project Scaling Up Educational Innovations in Schools The project Scaling Up Educational Innovation in Schools (SEIS) will significantly strengthen educational innovation research not only in Estonia, but in the Baltic states and in wider Europe by taking educational research and innovation to the next level. The project will present new perspectives on educational research by turning traditional "knowledge transfer" approaches into research- and technology-driven societal innovations (research-to-innovation-to-practice knowledge transfer), establishing an international virtual Research Lab on educational innovations, facilitating the inclusion and capacity building of the new actors in the field and encouraging exchange of knowledge and experiences among stakeholders and top research groups in the field.	TKA19154	Terje Väljataga Kairit Tammets Timo Tobias Ley	2020–2022
Horizon 2020 project Cross-Border Educational Innovation thru Technology-Enhanced Research The Lifelong Learning Strategy for Estonia envisions digital turn in formal and informal education, order to change the learning paradigm towards more self-directed, creative and collaborative learning. One-to-one computing, digital learning resources, semantic web tools, linked data applications and interoperable cloud computing services will be used to build and evaluate tailored educational opportunities for every learner. This will maximize each student’s self-actualization aspirations and role in the tomorrow’s society and adaptation of educational institutions in Estonia along the expectations of rapidly changing job market and European education space.	TAU15034	Tobias Ley Katrin Poom-Valickis Terje Väljataga Mart Laanpere Maria Jesus Rodríguez-Triana Luis Pablo Prieto Santos Paul Seitlinger Katrin Niglas Õnne Uus Janika Leoste Maarja Hallik Tanel Toova Pjotr Savitski Gerti Pishtari Anu Tammeleht Kati Aus Kairit Tammets	2015–2020
Professional Teacher of Estonian Language in Russian Speaking Group Development and implementation of trainings for kindergarten teachers and teams, development and implementation of pilot group monitoring studies.	TKA22005	Tiia ÕunMaire Tuul Kerstin Kööp Külli Rauk Evelyn Neudorf Piia Varik Mari-Liis Lind	2022
Developing Competencies of Teachers to integrate Climate Literacy Education in European Schools The project aims at enhancing teachers' profiles to coach students effectively in European Secondary schools to raise the level of climate literacy by developing: -Educational Content for Climate Literacy -Open Online Course to allow teachers to promote climate literacy at schools -Online Teacher Community including activities developed to assist them to bring the topic of climate change into their classrooms.	TKA20198	Grete ArroLiisa Puusepp Mihkel Kangur Maarja Hallik Egle Hollman	2020-2022
Understanding the concept of student agency among Estonian and Russian speaking students: What is the experience and attitude of students towards agency in upper secondary schools in Estonia? This research project was developed out of the need to understand better the cultural differences in practices and attitudes towards student agency as perceived by students in Estonian and Russian language upper secondary schools in Estonia. The research follows a mixed methods approach where in the first stage, qualitative focus group interviews are conducted with students in Form 10. Using the qualitative data as an input for the second stage, a quantitative survey is administered in both types of schools. The results would help to design pedagogical interventions and teacher trainings to promote student agency.	PUTJD1031	Maria Erss	2021–2023
Competence tests for first and second grade students (II phase) Prototype assessment instruments for first grade students' language, math and learning competences, and second grade students' language and math competences are developed, II phase.	TKA21038A	Piret SoodlaEve Kikas Mairi Männamaa	2021
Professional Teacher of Estonian Language in Russian Speaking Group The aim of the project is to develop and conduct trainings for kindergarten and basic school teachers, to create and carry out pilot studies of activities, to develop competences in early language learning and multilingualism.	TRU20124	Tiia ÕunMaire Tuul Kerstin Kööp Külli Rauk Reili Argus Ene Hiiepuu Evelyn Neudorf	2020
The assessments and experience of the teachers and parents of the pre-school childcare institutions in coping with the emergency situation caused by COVID -19 The aim is to find out the early childhood teachers’ experiences in carrying out the schooling and education in emergency situation and to analyse the teachers’ utilisation of the means of information technology in children’s distance learning. In the course of the project the co-operation of the parents and employees of the childcare institutions is described and Estonian, German, Finnish and Icelandic study findings are compared. The results of the research will enable us to work out further suggestions and proposals in planning the schooling and education and ensuring the child-centred education in pre-school institutions.	TA/5320	Aino UgasteMaire Tuul Kaire Kollom Kerstin Kööp Silvi Suur Evelyn Neudorf	2020–2021
Improving the System of Professional Development of Teachers and School Leaders in Estonia The purpose is to improve the system of teacher and school leader education in Estonia focusing on what kind of professional development would help to improve the quality of teaching and learning.	TKA20214A	Grete ArroKati Aus Kätlin Vanari Eve Eisenschmidt	2020–2021
Strategic partnership for developing primary teacher education through school-based research The strategic partnership aims to support the advancement of ethical and inquiring primary teacher education by developing joint curriculum activities, and through the professional development of academic staff and future teachers. Two main areas that the inquiring approach would relate to in this project are: subject-integrative/phenomenon-based approaches in primary teacher education and learning in open settings.	TÕA19135	Inge TimoštšukAnne Uusen Helene Uppin Anne-Mai Näkk Mari-Liis Lind Tähti Siinmaa	2019–2022
Competence tests for first and second grade students (II phase) Prototype assessment instruments for first grade students' language, math and learning competences, and second grade students' language and math competences are developed, II phase.	TKA21038A	Piret SoodlaEve Kikas Mairi Männamaa	2021
Carrying out a co-creation program for educational technological innovation Carrying out an educational technology innovation co-creation program and related activities, including additional consulting services, aimed at accelerating 6 teams to create educational technology innovation in cooperation with Startup Estonia, the Education and Youth Board (Harno) and Tallinn University (TLU).	TKA21047A	Janika LeosteKairit Tammets Meril Ümarik Pirgit Sillaots Elyna Heinmäe Linda Helene Sillat Katrin Männik	2021
Advising on data collection from ALPA Kids digital learning games for the preparation of a prototype of a personalized learning path, first stage Advising on data collection from ALPA Kids digital learning games for the preparation of a prototype of a personalized learning path, first stage.	TKA21032A	Janika LeosteAino Ugaste Tiia Õun Maire Tuul Elyna Heinmäe	2021
My future colleague robot By 2021, the TU EDUSPACE laboratory will have the capacity to offer internships introducing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to students studying in non-ICT curricula. Behavioral models are created for simple AI robots to help understand the application of this type of robot in the classroom. To summarize the project, with the support of the IT Academy, a vision booklet was prepared on what role robots will (or could) play in future education. The project provided input for the next research project “ÕPPESTECH-METH Learning and Teaching at the University. Integrating new technologies and methods in university studies ”.	TÕA20075	Janika LeosteTõnu Viik Luis Pastor Indrek Grauberg Larissa Jõgi Mart Susi Maire Tuul Mihkel Kangur Tiiu Tammemäe Meidi Sirk Liina Keevallik Aleksandra Ljalikova Veiko Vunder Jaagup Kippar Farshad Farahnakian Yoan Mollard Renno Raudmäe Mari-Liis Lind Henri Tammo Kristian Paekivi	2020–2021
Distance learning study: Lecturers’ and students’ coping with emergency distance learning in Tallinn University The study aimed to analyze the coping of Tallinn University (TLU) in the conditions of distance learning and to map the bottlenecks in order to be better prepared to carry out the learning process in similar situations in the future. To map the TLU lecturers’ and students’ experiences of distance learning during COVID-19 crisis a written survey was carried out. In addition, interviews with lecturers with different previous e-learning experience and a representative of the e-learning centre were conducted. Learning analytics from the most used e-learning environments in TLU were also collected.	TA/4120	Katrin Poom-ValickisKairit Tammets Kati Aus Tiina Anspal	2020–2021
The practices, efficiency, and challenges of technology-supported distance learning in Estonian comprehensive schools The study aims to map arrangement, efficiency and challenges of distance learning that was taking place in Estonian comprehensive schools during spring semester in 2020. The study focuses on aspects of regulation of teaching (including collaboration between teachers, learners and parents), the role of technology in distance learning, teaching strategies (including those for supporting students' self-regulation skills), as well as on well-being and motivation of the concerned parties.	TA/4020	Piret SoodlaKairit Tammets Eve Eisenschmidt Timo Tobias Ley Terje Väljataga Mart Laanpere Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov Mari-Liis Kaldoja	2020
Competencies and training needs of Estonian adult educators in training taking place in the digital environment The results fo the study include: the competences of Estonian adult educators and performance indicators in conducting trainings in a digital environment have been identified; a comprehensive understanding of the adult educators training needs based on the national qualification standard and DigCompEdu digital competence model; awareness and expectations of training institutions and trainers for EPALE as a professional development environment.	TRU20084A	Katrin KaruLinda Helene Sillat Esta Kaal Sigrid Aruväli	2020
Competence tests for first and second grade students Prototype assessment instruments for first grade students' language, math and learning competences, and second grade students' language and math competences are developed.	TKA20071A	Piret SoodlaEve Kikas Mairi Männamaa	2020
Expert assessment and analysis of improving the standard of an Entrepreneurial School To prepare and conduct improvement expert assessment and analysis of Entrepreneurial School standard.	TKA20112A	Eve EisenschmidtKätlin Vanari Marika Kutškova	2020
Development of a portfolio of interdisciplinary business education services for the EDUSPACE research laboratory The rapidly changing needs of the education and industry sectors have led to a situation where companies offering innovative technological equipment need to focus more on training their customers. The aim of this project is to continue the development of the EDUSPACE research laboratory's portfolio of educational services for entrepreneurs. As expected, a new service will be added to the EDUSPACE research laboratory's service portfolio for entrepreneurs: advising technology companies on creating trainings and co-creating a training prototype.	TF6920	Janika LeosteMeidi Sirk Larissa Jõgi Jaagup Kippar Tõnu Viik	2021
Competencies and training needs of Estonian adult educators in training taking place in the digital environment. The results fo the study include: 1. the competences of Estonian adult educators and performance indicators in conducting trainings in a digital environment have been identified; 2. a comprehensive understanding of the adult educators training needs based on the national qualification standard and DigCompEdu digital competence model; 3. awareness and expectations of training institutions and trainers for EPALE as a professional development environment.	TRU20084A	Katrin KaruLinda Helene Sillat Esta Kaal Sigrid Aruväli	2020-2021
Researcher Identity Development: Strengthening Science in Society Strategies The aim of the project is to reconceptualize the role of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in order to enable them to successfully face current societal challenges and establish satisfactory careers and to enhance the development of ECRs’ identities and careers through training.	TRU17140	Anu Tammeleht Erika Löfström	2017–2020
Technology-supported distance learning pracitces, efficiency and challanges in Estonian general education schools The organization of distance learning in Estonian general education schools in the spring of 2020, its efficiency and challenges in the organization at the level of managers, teachers and students will be mapped.	TA/4020	Piret SoodlaKairit Tammets Eve Eisenschmidt Timo Tobias Ley Terje Väljataga Mart Laanpere Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov Mari-Liis Kaldoja	2020
Learning robot Bee-Bot possibilities in developing the social skills of children with autism spectrum disorders The study is conducted in 5-year-old children with autism spectrum disorders who have difficulty communicating socially and verbally and non-verbally. The aim of the study is to find out how the involvement of a robot in teaching contributes to the development of social relations.	TA/5620	Tiiu TammemäeJanika LeosteGetter Eskla	2020–2021
Digital Learning Resources STEAM K12 Provide students of teacher education field with different STEAM skills for enhancing subjects with technology: robotics, sensors, virtual and augmented realities, electronics, and statistics. Students learn to use these tools for applying modern teaching methods and influencing learning outcome.	TRU20003	Janika LeosteMihkel Kangur Mari-Liis Lind Maire Tuul Külli Kori Tiia Õun Kätlin Vanari Grete Arro Inge Timoštšuk Kadri Mettis Elyna Heinmäe	2020
Computational Thinking and Control Technology with Rugged Robot Using Rugged Robot Across the Curriculum Translating the manual “Computational Thinking and Control Technology with Rugged Robot Using Rugged Robot Across the Curriculum“ and adapting it to the Estonian pre-school curriculum.	TÕA20178A	Janika LeosteMaire Tuul	2020
Development of a EDUSPACE educational service prototype The goal of this project is to create a prototype of an educational service that facilitates introducing Estonian nature to the students of early childhood and primary education.	TA/5120	Janika LeosteMaire Tuul Tiia Õun	2020

Current Projects

A selection of prior projects