Research Groups
The aim of the research groups at the Institute of Educational Sciences at Tallinn University is to conduct high-level research in teacher education and educational sciences, inclusive education, educational leadership and innovation, lifelong and non-formal learning, and primary and preschool education.
Collaboration in research and development is carried out internationally, with researchers from other institutes at Tallinn University and institutions from the public and private sectors.
WISH – Bridging Work-Life and Primary Education
Project period: 2025-2028
The project “Bridging Work-Life and Primary Education: Integrating Work-Life Topics and Key Competencies into Teaching Practice” (WISH – Work-Life Integration Starts Here) focuses on supporting primary school teachers in integrating work-life-related topics and key competencies into the teaching process. Within the project, a handbook and five thematic learning modules will be developed and piloted in general education schools. In addition, a professional development module will be created to enhance teachers’ competence in the conscious application of work-life topics and key competencies in their teaching.
The project results will enrich the teaching practices of primary school teachers and promote the dissemination of a research-based approach both locally and internationally.
Contacts: Inge Timoštšuk (inge.timostsuk@tlu.ee) and Kaidi Nurmik (kaidi.nurmik@tlu.ee)
Partners
The WISH project is implemented in cooperation between five universities:
- Tallinn University (Estonia) – coordinator
- University of Helsinki (Finland)
- Paderborn University (Germany)
- Masaryk University (Czech Republic)
- LUMSA University (Italy)
The project is funded by the Education and Youth Board (Haridus- ja Noorteamet).
SustainERA - ERA Chair in Sustainable Futures
About SustainERA
The ERA Chair in Sustainable Futures (SustainERA) project at Tallinn University is supported by a €2.5 million grant from the European Commission’s Horizon Europe ERA Chair initiative (ID: 101186958, DOI: 10.3030/101186958).
Running from 2025 to 2029, SustainERA will combine high-level research with the development of innovative solutions to promote sustainable mindsets 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 is led by ERA Chair Professor Anu Realo in collaboration with Kai Pata, Professor of Adult Education and Non-Formal Learning.
Main Goals
Capacity Building: To strengthen interdisciplinary research excellence, capacity, and capability at Tallinn University (TLU) by establishing a high-level research group in Sustainable Futures, with a focus on sustainability and post-growth development.
Research Excellence: To create an Open Lab for Sustainable Futures Research, fostering collaboration across various TLU Schools as well as with external private and public partners. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary research excellence and support evidence-based interventions and policy development in sustainability.
More information is available on the project website
FEWL Promoting Research on Integrating Formal Education and Workplace Learning
From January 2023, a new project funded by the Twinning program of the European Commission began in cooperation with Tallinn University School of Educational Sciences, Jyväsküla and Paderborn with the acronym FEWL – "Enhancing Research on the Integration of Formal Educational Programmes and Workplace Learning". The project will last until the end of 2025.
Changes in the world of work and in society are generating interest in learning in different environments. So far, workplace learning has been mainly studied in the context of vocational education. The project aims to enhance scientific excellence and research potential in the field of research on integrating formal education and workplace learning (WPL) for students in basic and secondary schools.
Facilitating multifaceted capacity building at the School of Educational Sciences (SES) at Tallinn University (TLU) in this field will be achieved through partnership with two internationally leading research institutions with complementary theoretical and methodological expertise: Finnish Institute for Educational Research at the University of Jyväskylä, and Institute of Educational Sciences at Paderborn University.
Inclusive Education
Inclusive education aims to provide each learner with a sense of belonging and support, as well as active, meaningful participation in realizing their potential. The inclusive education research group of Tallinn University is engaged in researching practices in the field and developing practical solutions that help support teachers in both school and kindergarten.
In 2018, Tallinn University, in cooperation with Tartu University, started the project "Developing and enhancing the teaching quality of inclusive education curriculum" (TÕA19009 "Developing and enhancing the teaching quality of inclusive education curriculum" (1.02.2019−31.01.2024).
As a result of the project, current and future teachers will be offered the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to promote inclusive learning and reduce the segregation of students with special educational needs. This is done by enhancing inclusive education, developing innovative practices, and testing and implementing teacher education.
SEEMIK research group
The members of Tallinn University's interdisciplinary research group SEEMIK, which includes Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov, Grete Arro, Jaanus Terasmaa, Mihkel Kangur, Arko Olesk, Esta Kaal and Priit Tammets, lead the Erasmus+ cooperation project, the aim of which is to develop the Discovery Path application further and thereby support teachers and employees of nature education centers in teaching biodiversity topics.
The research group focuses on exploring and improving environmental education and communication through citizen science, educational innovation, teacher competencies, or researcher communication skills. The research interests of the research group include studying the process of changing environmental misconceptions and concepts in communication and education.