Projects

Current Projects

Developing an e-handbook for supporting teaching Estonian language to children whose mother tongue is different from Estonian

2024-2025

Project team: Anne-Mai Meesak, Eve Kikas, Tiiu Tammemäe, Reili Argus, Andra Kütt-Leedis, Natalia Tšuikina

The transition to Estonian-language education in early childhood education creates a need to support both teachers and children. The new e-handbook aims to support the teaching of Estonian to children whose mother tongue is not Estonian. The e-handbook provides a comprehensive overview of child development and learning (including the acquisition of first and second languages), offers a diverse range of methods for learning and teaching Estonian as a second language, provides guidance for adapting and creating educational materials, and supports collaboration with parents and valuing different home languages. The e-handbook offers theoretical bases and recommendations for using practical materials across all topics. The e-handbook is available for free as a whole and by individual chapters.

ETIS

Learning and teaching in inclusive classrooms

2024-2027

Project team: Piret Soodla, Anna-Liisa Jõgi, Triin Ulla, Maris Juhkam, Eliis Ait, Tiiu Tammemäe, Katrin Poom-Valickis, Brenda Marie Morton

Learning and teaching in inclusive classrooms One of the leading principles of the Estonian education system is inclusive education. However, its implementation in schools remains a significant challenge due to the lack of knowledge about effective evidence-based teaching practices in classrooms with students of varying abilities and skill levels. This study aims to understand the current situation with the implementation of inclusive practices in the first stage of Estonian schools (i.e., grades 1-3), support the development of teachers' and support specialists' competencies in applying inclusive practices to support all students, and assess the impact of the professional development program on teaching and learning in inclusive classrooms. This study includes teachers, support specialists, and students. First, teachers and support specialists' implementation of inclusive practices, their self-efficacy, and professional development needs are analyzed. A professional development program will be developed based on the identified needs and based on the results and previous research findings. Third-grade teachers and support specialists will be invited to participate in the program. Teachers will implement inclusive intervention activities in their classes, in collaboration with support specialists, if needed. Program assessment will include quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate teachers' and support specialists' learning experiences, the program's impact on their self-efficacy and the use of inclusive practices, and the impact of the intervention on students' perceived inclusion, academic skills, and self-efficacy. The project is of high practical value for the Estonian education system as it addresses a significant development area. Findings f Program assessment will include quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate teachers' and support specialists' learning experiences, the program's impact on their self-efficacy and the use of inclusive practices, and the impact of the intervention on students' perceived inclusion, academic skills, and self-efficacy. The project is of high practical value for the Estonian education system as it addresses a significant development area. Findings from this project will inform pre-service and in-service teacher training programs at Tallinn University and the University of Tartu.

ETIS

 

Fostering Scientific Habits of Mind and Systems Thinking in Secondary School Science EducationSupported by Teachers' Enhanced Teaching and Assessment Competence

2024-2027

Project team: Tiina Anspal, Terje Väljataga, Heli AometsGrete Arro, Kadri Mettis

Objectives:
- Develop theoretically sound instruments for researching the scientific habits of mind andsystems thinking in students at the III and IV school levels, as well as teachers' knowledge ofsystems thinking.
- Create digital core concept maps along with corresponding learning scenarios, which would helpshape students' systems thinking, scientific habits of mind, and autonomous motivation, andinvestigate the impact of the intervention on students' respective characteristics.
- Enhance science teachers’ competence through training, which will be examined throughchanges in teacher beliefs and knowledge.

ETIS

Professional development oriented evaluation of teachers’ professional competence

2024-2027

Project team: Katrin Poom-Valickis, Priit Reiska, Tiina Anspal, Reili Argus, Tiina Rüütmaa, Kadi Georg, Annika Volt, Kristiina Bernhardt, Kati Aus, Jüri Kurvits, Tiina Naissoo, Marina Kurvits

In recent years, the proportion of teachers without the required qualifications in general education schools in Estonia has increased, reaching approximately one-fifth. However, it is still being determined why their proportion is growing and what suitable solutions exist through flexible learning to increase the percentage of qualified teachers. This research project focuses on two questions: firstly, understanding the factors that hinder unqualified teachers in Estonia from acquiring qualifications, and secondly, developing a methodology for the analysis and assessment of teachers' professional competencies that support professional development. Firstly, a nationwide survey will be conducted among unqualified teachers. Secondly, the factors hindering qualification acquisition will be specified through interviews in two municipalities, focusing not only on teachers but also on school leaders and leaders of the municipality education department. To address the second question, a methodology suitable for analysing and assessing teachers’ professional competencies will be developed, allowing for the identification of their professional development needs. Overall, the study is considered design-based research of two cases focusing on two municipalities - Tartu City and Harku Municipality - in the development process. The study provides input for universities to offer flexible teacher education through continuing education, micro-credential programs, and in-service education to help teachers achieve qualifications. On the other hand, it raises awareness of municipalities’ and school leaders’ roles and possibilities in creating conditions and supporting teachers’ professional development.

ETIS

Development of assessment of general competences

2024-2029
Project team: Valeri Murnikov, Eve Kikas, Maris Juhkam, Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov, Piret Soodla, Mikk Granström, Kati Aus, Kaja Mädamürk, Joosep Norma.

Tallinn University and the Ministry of Education and Research are jointly implementing a project focused on the research-based development of curricula and educational resources, as well as the evaluation of educational quality. The project emphasizes the development of personalized learning pathways and learning analytics. The goal of the project is to improve the quality of the Estonian education system and to support the growth and development of future teachers.

Professional Development of Youth Workers: learning, researching, communicating values and theories influencing practice with diverse groups

2024-2027

Project team:  Ilona-Evelin RannalaKristi Jüristo, Katrin Karu

The overarching goal of this project is to enhance the professionalism of youth work practitioners in addressing the needs of diverse youth groups. We foster collaboration between educators and practitioners, facilitate the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, empower youth workers to develop innovative approaches and activities, promote evidence-based practices in youth work and this strengthen the quality and recognition of youth work.

ETIS

 

FEWL - Enhancing Research on the Integration of Formal Educational Programmes and Workplace Learning

2023-2025

Project team: Inge TimoštšukKrista LoogmaMaria ErssReeli LiivikJanika LeosteKaidi NurmikMaret AasaTriin RoosaluMerle PajusAnne-Mai NäkkHelene UppinErle NeemeMarti Taru

The Twinning project aims to enhance excellenceand research potential in the field of researchon integratingformal education andworkplace 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: Finnish Institute for Educational Research at the University of Jyväskylä, and Institute of Educational Sciences at Paderborn University.
 

ETIS

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and
innovation programme under grant agreement N°101079237.

EdTech Talents

2023-2027

Project team: Janika LeosteMaire TuulMartin SillaotsAija SakovaSirje VirkusMart LaanpereKristjan KaskMadis SaluveerKadri MettisSirly VäätKatrin MännikMerle Pajus

Emerging digital education technologies & supporting academia-business collaboration, specifically increasing the capability of researchers and research institutions in EU Widening countries to create spin-off enterprise.

Project page

ETIS

 

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and
innovation programme.

Academy4Business

2023-2025

Project team: Janika LeosteSirly VäätMeidi SirkKatrin MännikSirje Rekkor

Academy for Business project partners are motivated to co-design a cross-border blended digital course for academy and business to boost the entrepreneurial and scientific mind-sets for future entrepreneurs and knowledge workers in EdTech. This capacity-building project aims at reducing the cap between the academic and business worlds by reciprocal knowledge transfer between the academic and business sectors. The students and professors are supported to acquire an entrepreneurial mind-set while the business sector actors are introduced to use the evidence- and science-based approaches in their business.

Project page

ETIS

Funded by European Commission Erasmus (2022-2-EE01-KA220-HED-000100644).

e-DIPLOMA - Electronic, Didactic and Innovative Platform for Learning based On Multimedia Assets

2022-2025

Project team: Kai PataTerje VäljatagaAndrea AnnusMairi MatrovHalliki PõldaKatrin Karu

The e- DIPLOMA project will establish e-learning in an upper quality level in a three years´research project, posing the use of Augmented Reality/VirtualReality, Artificial Intelligence, Interactive Technoligies, chatbots and gamification in a newly designed e-learning platform.

Project page

ETIS

Funded by Horizon Europe Programme (HORIZON-CL2-2021-TRANSFORMATIONS-01).

GOT - Building Capacity for Online Tuition in Ghana

2023-2025

Project team: Terje VäljatagaKadri MettisLinda Helene SillatJames Sunnay Quaicoe

There is opportunity to change course digital delivery in higher education institutions in Ghana and build sustainable digital learning policy in sub-Saharan Africa. Scaling up digital education delivery calls for strategic planning and development of existing and innovative pedagogical methods specific to digital delivery. The project will result in the development of an educational research based action plan, which will include the development of the delivery system and training.

Project page

ETIS

Funded by European Commission Erasmus "Capacity building in the field of higher education".

AITE - Artificial Intelligence in (Teacher) Education

2023-2024

Project team: Priit ReiskaEve Eisenschmidt

The main and general objective of this project is to create a new Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree programme that connects education professionals with the rapidly growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, research and teaching.

ETIS

Funded by European Commission Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (ERASMUS-EDU-2023-EMJM-DESIGN).

 

EdTech Hackathon

2023-2025
Project team: Janika Leoste, Kristof Fenyvesi, Sirje Virkus, Katrin Männik, 
Sirly Väät


The tender will be organised in view of establishing a service contract for further developing and scaling up the Digital Education Hackathon; managing, expanding and engaging its community; supporting the dissemination and implementation of valuable solutions; linking the initiative with the Digital Education Hub.

Project page

ETIS

Funded by European Commission. 

Digital cultural heritage as a resource for social development

2024-2026

Project team: Pille RunnelPille Pruulmann-VengerfeldtKai PataAgnes AljasMahendra Mahey

A significant part of museum collections is digitally available to Estonian people. It is an invaluable social resource with great potential to contribute to sustainable development. The rapid social, economic and technological development leads to polarization and a sense of discontinuity, but heritage can help people cope with change. Museums help to cope with transition when their resources find application in society. The task of the research work is to develop the capacity of various target and stakeholder groups (creative sector, citizen science activists, senior citizens) and museums in the use of digital cultural heritage. The goal of the project is to develop methods of co-creation for understanding digital cultural heritage, using it in various fields and transferring knowledge related to heritage. The output of the project is at least three experimental applications of digital heritage created collaboratively and a methodological toolbox for empowering digital co-creation.

ETIS

Funded by the Ministry of Culture.

 

digiTED - Development of digitalisation in teacher education

2022-2025

Project team: Terje VäljatagaKadri MettisLinda Helene Sillat

The overall aim of the digiTED@EU project is to promote and facilitate digitalisation among teacher educators in Europe (and beyond). The project aims to 1) develop a hybrid programme for professional development that enhances the digital skills, competences and creativity of teacher educators; promotes the readiness of teacher educators to teach online and to design and organise digital courses; provides resources for tech-based assessment and feedback for teacher educators. 2) empower teacher educators to become more involved, creative and active in their own learning and development 3) stimulate transnational and interdisciplinary collaboration on all levels in regard to digital teaching practices of teacher educators 4) promote the creation of a European Digital Education Hu. 5) provide concrete recommendations for policy-makers to generate practice-oriented digitalisation strategies on a European, national, and also institutional level 6) help teacher education to become more professional and reputable.

Project page

ETIS

Funded by European Commission Programme Erasmus+KA220-HED.

WINnovators - Boosting entrepreneurial and STEM/STEAM capacity of young Women in higher education institutions for sustainable development and INnovation

2021-2024

Project team: 

Kai PataTerje VäljatagaIlona-Evelin RannalaKristi Jüristo

Increasing entrepreneurship and STEM / STEAM capacity in higher education, focusing on sustainable and innovative development. Particular attention will be given to promoting gender equality and addressing differences in relation to the access and use by underpresented groups. Target groups are: HEI educators and students from future educators in HEIs disciplines; young underprivileged women between 18 and 30 years old, from rural communities, or outskirts; innovation and entrepreneurship organisations and HEIs with digital, STEM/STEAM and sustainability competences and with associated partnership with STEM/STEAM tech SMEs.

Project page

ETIS

Supporting Ukraine through citizen engagement at Baltic Universities

2023-2025

Project team: Lianne TederKai PataLarissa JõgiTriin RoosaluDaniele Monticelli

Analysis, design, implementation and assessment of citizen engagement actions within and beyond Baltic HEIs. Stimulating innovative educational practice and staff upskilling at Baltic HEIs through cross-cultural intercomprehension, tolerance, citizen engagement, business-academia cooperation. General objective of the Baltics4UA project is to Enhance Baltic universities’ social responsibility through civic engagement actions to address Ukrainian humanitarian crisis in the Baltics.

Project page

ETIS

Funded by Erasmus+ Cooperation partnerships in higher education (KA220-HED).

 

Mapping research capacity and development needs of Kenyan universities to implement educational reforms

2024-2025

Project team: Katrin Poom-Valickis, Anna-Liisa Jõgi

The main objective of the research is to map the research capacity of Kenyan universities offering teacher education and to identify the main challenges in the development of evidence-based teacher education. Representatives of Kenyan universities are involved in the data collection and analysis of the project, using the members of the Deans' Forum of universities offering teacher training, which allows during the process of conducting the study to support the growth of the research capacity of the representatives of these universities and to collect important information for planning further development activities. The focus of the research is the willingness and ability of universities to implement competency-based learning and support teacher preparation according to an evidence-based approach.

ETIS

Supporting the modernization and implementation of competence-based teacher education curricula and processes in Kenya

2024-2025

Project team: Katrin Poom-Valickis, Kätlin Vanari, Triin Ulla, Kadi Georg

The project supports the modernization of Kenya's education sector and efforts to improve the quality of education and ensure its compliance with the demands of the 21st century. More specifically, the project aims to support education reform in Kenya through the modernization of teacher education. The project supports the transition to competency-based teacher education, relying on evidence-based knowledge, introducing innovative teaching methodologies, including digital pedagogy, to ensure future teachers the necessary competencies to cope with the constant challenges of the educational environment.

ETIS

Co-Creating inclusive school communities

2021-2024

Project team: Eve EisenschmidtKätlin VanariPiret OppiKrista KeedusReet Sillavee, Berit Silvia Kondratiev

The main aim of the project is to support schools in strengthening inclusive school communities in which every participant is welcomed, respected, valued and given a voice and that embrace and appreciate diversity in culture, religion, gender, ability or socio-economic background. Within this project, the focus is on the social environment where all school community members are given a voice. Through inclusive school communities, schools can increase engagement with actors within and outside the school community and are more likely to secure sustainable improvements towards the best and equal opportunities for all learners.

ETIS

Funded by European Commission.

Improvement support for educational institutions

2022-2029

Project team: Krista KeedusEve EisenschmidtKätlin VanariPiret OppiBerit Silvia KondratjevJoosep Norma

TLÜ works in cooperation with HAKA on a development program of up to three years, which promotes a learner-centered culture and evidence-based management. Within the framework of the project, criteria and principles for the selection of educational institutions participating in the development program will also be developed for the involvement of the head of the educational institution participating in the development program.

ETIS

Funded by Education and Youth Board.

Leading an Educational Institution as a Novice Headmaster

2024

Project team: Eve EisenschmidtReet SillaveeKätlin VanariDaniel ReinaruRiina Stahl

The education sector strategy stipulates that by 2035, curricula will increasingly support learner-centered approaches; the volume and content of education will be better aligned with the development needs of society and the labor market. Curriculum development and implementation are evidence-based and inclusive. In other words, the focus of school leaders and leading educators must further shift towards leading learning. The competency model and career model for educational institution leaders necessitate continuous self-analysis, development goal-setting based on it, and the selection of realistic strategies to achieve objectives. Therefore, there is a need to emphasize data utilization and evidence-based decision-making skills in the preparation of novice leaders. The program is targeted at school leaders with up to two years of tenure.

ETIS

Funded by the Ministry of Education and Research.

Preparation and implementation of the National Defence Education Development Program 2024/25

2024-2025

Project team: Maret AasaMeidi Sirk

The project encompasses the development (including research) of the micro-degree curriculum in national defence education and the sustainable training of national defence educators at Tallinn University, based on the content of the optional course "National Defence Education" in the national curriculum for upper secondary schools. Research activities focus on the formation of national defence educators' understanding of the nature of teaching and their comprehension of roles in teaching national defence education in general and vocational education.

ETIS

 Funded by the Defence Resources Agency.

 

Developing green skills horizontally

2023-2024

Project team: Katrin MännikMaarja LehtsaarGrete ArroJaanus TerasmaaKai Pata

Developing green skills horizontally is implemented within the Green Skills Programme led by the Education and Youth Board and the Ministry of Education and Research. The programme is to support the development of business skills on green transition, which include general skills but also field-specific green skills. The 9th consortia of the programme “Developing green skills horizontally” focuses on: the concept development, analysis and development of curricula, university teacher training on green skills. The approach follows the comprehensive view on green skills including knowledge, attitudes and skills.

ETIS

Funded by the Ministry of Education and Research.

 

Research Partnership of Ministries for Achieving EU 2030 Climate Targets II

2024-2026

Project team: Katrin MännikGrete ArroJaanus TerasmaaKai PataIndrek SaarTarmo PiknerArko OleskAnastassia ZabrodskajaTauri TuvikeneRando TuvikeneKatri-Liis LepikBianka Plüschke-Altof

The aim of the framework agreement is to establish a strong and flexible partnership between ministries and research consortia, supporting the achievement of Estonia's climate goals through knowledge-based policymaking. The framework agreement enables the integration of scientific expertise and analysis into policymaking, providing a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to climate issues. The partnership allows for flexible and needs-based resolution of analytical questions and the development of new approaches and knowledge.

ETIS

Funded by the Ministry of Finance.

A SELECTION OF PRIOR PROJECTS (2020-2024)

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 LeosteInge TimoštšukKaidi NurmikSirly VäätMihkel 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 VäljatagaKairit TammetsTimo 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-ValickisTerje VäljatagaMart LaanpereMaria Jesus Rodríguez-TrianaLuis Pablo Prieto SantosPaul SeitlingerKatrin NiglasÕnne UusJanika LeosteMaarja HallikTanel ToovaPjotr SavitskiGerti PishtariAnu TammelehtKati AusKairit 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 TuulKerstin KööpKülli RaukEvelyn NeudorfPiia VarikMari-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 PuuseppMihkel KangurMaarja HallikEgle 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 KikasMairi 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 TuulKerstin KööpKülli RaukReili ArgusEne HiiepuuEvelyn 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 TuulKaire KollomKerstin KööpSilvi SuurEvelyn 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 AusKätlin VanariEve 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 UusenHelene UppinAnne-Mai NäkkMari-Liis LindTähti 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 KikasMairi 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 TammetsMeril ÜmarikPirgit SillaotsElyna HeinmäeLinda Helene SillatKatrin 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 UgasteTiia ÕunMaire TuulElyna 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 ViikLuis PastorIndrek GraubergLarissa JõgiMart SusiMaire TuulMihkel KangurTiiu TammemäeMeidi SirkLiina KeevallikAleksandra LjalikovaVeiko VunderJaagup KipparFarshad FarahnakianYoan MollardRenno RaudmäeMari-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 TammetsKati AusTiina 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 TammetsEve EisenschmidtTimo Tobias LeyTerje VäljatagaMart LaanpereElina Malleus-KotšegarovMari-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 SillatEsta KaalSigrid 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 KikasMairi 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 VanariMarika 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 SirkLarissa JõgiJaagup KipparTõnu 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 SillatEsta KaalSigrid 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 TammetsEve EisenschmidtTimo Tobias LeyTerje VäljatagaMart LaanpereElina Malleus-KotšegarovMari-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 KangurMari-Liis LindMaire TuulKülli Kori

Tiia ÕunKätlin VanariGrete ArroInge TimoštšukKadri MettisElyna 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