In September 2024, the Punjab Government in India and the University of Turku in Finland signed an agreement to promote the exchange of expertise in education. As part of this collaboration, a group of 72 teachers from Punjab participated in a three-week training programme in Finland.
The recently signed agreement between Punjab Government and the University of Turku focuses on sharing Finland’s world-renowned educational practices, particularly in early childhood and primary education, with the aim of fostering innovation and development in both regions. The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of Finland and India to advancing education through international exchange of ideas and mutual learning.
As part of the collaboration agreement, the first group of teachers from Punjab participated in a three-week professional training programme coordinated by the Global Educational Services of the University of Turku during late October and early November. The training programme, titled Through Joy and Play – Professional Training in Early Childhood and Primary Education, focused on the role of joy and playfulness as core elements of learning.
Gaining inspiration and preparing for implementation
The training combined lectures, workshops, and school visits to offer a comprehensive look into Finnish educational approaches. Participants explored topics such as motivation- and project-based learning, classroom engagement, emotional interaction and play, foundational literacy, and using technology in education. Visits to teacher training schools and early childhood education centres in Turku and Rauma provided practical insights into Finnish classrooms.
A key component of the programme was the preparation of development projects aimed at implementing the ideas and findings of the training in the participants' own schools in Punjab. The participants will also later meet their Finnish mentors online to share their experiences and discuss how the projects have been applied in their own classrooms and schools.
Reflections on rewarding learning experience
The three weeks of training were an intense experience for the participating teachers. Nevertheless, they all completed the training in commendable manner and the closing ceremony was marked by praise from participants and organisers alike. The teachers said they had acquired a lot of new knowledge and hoped to be able to use it in their own work. Their comments highlighted the excellent work of both the local experts and those responsible for coordinating the training.
Charchil Kumar, Special Secretary of Education in Punjab, encouraged the teachers to take pride in what they have learned and to stay motivated when returning to India. He also encouraged the teachers to start implementing changes in their own classes, as small changes will eventually lead to bigger transformations.
Ari Koski, Key Account Manager at the University of Turku, thanked all the participants for their enthusiasm and commitment. He encouraged the participants to try new approaches and to be proud of the trust they have been given in their role as teachers. He also reminded the participants that while they may not be able to replicate everything they have learnt, many ideas can be implemented by adapting them to local contexts.
The successful completion of the first training programme marks the beginning of a promising partnership between the Punjab Government and the University of Turku. Plans are underway for further training initiatives and both parties are committed to continuing the exchange of educational expertise by building on the lessons learned during the first training programme.
