Welcome to study Activity Theory in Helsinki! Master s Programme in Adult Education and Developmental Work Research

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1 University of Helsinki Institute of Behavioural Sciences Centre for Research on Activity, Learning and Development Welcome to study Activity Theory in Helsinki! Master s Programme in Adult Education and Developmental Work Research photo: Varpu Tissari

2 Master s Programme in Adult Educaton and Developmental Work Research History and scholarly tradition of the programme The programme started in 2006 and is based on the 20-year tradition of developmental work research. This interventionist research approach, rooted in cultural-historical activity theory, is internationally recognised as an innovative framework for studies of work and learning. How students study in the programme Study of classic activity-theoretical literature combined with extensive fieldwork often involving interventions in work organisations Involvement in research projects, typically conducted in the CRADLE and in its partner organisations in Finland or abroad Rich interaction, collaboration and mutual support among the students of the Master s programme class Career opportunities Employment in advanced forms of human resource development, workplace learning, organisational development and change management Further studies in PhD programmes photo : Varpu Tissari

3 Experiences of former students Anne Laitinen: I started in the programme in From the very beginning we were encouraged to write our Master s theses within existing research projects at the Centre and that is what I did. For me, receiving supervision from and working alongside with experienced researchers sparked a true passion for research. The solid theoretical foundation acquired during the programme made it possible for me to pursue my doctoral studies directly after the completion of my Master s studies. I am now a student in the Doctoral Programme for Developmental Work Research and Adult Education, part of the Finnish national graduate school of education and learning FiDPEL. Mari Salmi: I wanted to broaden my competence in developing organisations from the perspective of work-related wellbeing. The Master s programme met my needs and made it possible for me to get recruited to the kind of job I was aiming at. At present I work as chief of work-related wellbeing at Ilmarinen, a major insurance company. In my work I support our client companies in their efforts to develop their employees work-related wellbeing by means of consulting and training in various work communities. The Master s degree gave me a lot of knowhow and models for the development of the activities of organisations. The studies were particularly inspiring because of the expert guidance, supportive atmosphere and discussions with students representing different work experiences and educational backgrounds. Arja Haapasaari: I graduated in December The Master s programme answered well to my expectations and needs. I learned a lot about competence and organisational development. Most rewarding in the programme were the lively discussions we had in our seminars, inspiring thoughts and ideas we shared between students and our wise and warm instructors. In my work as an HR consultant I have used different kinds of models and tools to get the employees to develop their own work. Impressive results have been reached with the Change Laboratory method in improving participation, learning and development in different organisations. Besides working as an HR consultant I am a doctoral student at the University of Helsinki. My research consists of a Change Laboratory project conducted in a big Finnish company.

4 photo : Varpuu Tissari photo : Varpu Tissari Facts Duration: 2 years Credits: 120 Degree: Master of Arts (Education) Intake: 12 students each second year For further information and inquiries: atmo-info@helsinki.fi photo : Varpu Tissari Important dates Application period: 21 November, 2011 to 31 January, 2012 Deadline for applications: 31 January, 2012

5 Dear Students, If you are interested in activity theory, we at the CRADLE have an entire Master s programme in English devoted to studying this approach. The Master s programme in Adult Education and Developmental Work Research of the IBS at the University of Helsinki is now recruiting students to start in September The programme has a student intake of 12 every second year to ensure close supervision and individual focus on the student s learning. The programme trains developers of work and learning who can use cuttingedge research as basis of their work. The graduates will have expertise in formative interventions based on culturalhistorical activity theory and aimed at expansive learning in organisations and communities. Particular emphasis is on the history and current developmental challenges of work and technology. The students will learn to use tools of developmental work research, including the Change Laboratory method. The students of the programme typically join larger research and development projects in the CRADLE. They collect data for their theses in work organisations and communities, combining high theoretical standards with concrete societal problems and needs. This programme will give you a strong foundation for becoming a developer of human resources and organisations as well as for further studies and research. If this sounds interesting, check our web pages or contact us for further details. Sincerely yours, Yrjö Engeström Professor, Director of the programme

6 University of Helsinki Institute of Behavioural Sciences (IBS) Centre for Research on Activity, Learning and Development (CRADLE) Postal address P.O. Box 9 (Siltavuorenpenger 3-5 A) FI University of Helsinki Finland University of Helsinki Institute of Behavioural Sciences Centre for Research on Ac1vity, Learning and Development