Vocational Teacher
Study programme title in Est.
Kutseõpetaja
Study programme title in Engl.
Vocational Teacher
TalTech study programme code
HALM15
MER study programme code
135197
Study programme version code
HALM15/25
Faculty / college
E - School of Engineering
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Tiia Rüütmann
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Master study
ECTS credits
120
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
6 semesters
Study programme group
Teacher Training and Educational Science
Broad area of study
Education
Study field
education
Curriculum group
Training for teachers with subject specialisation
Granting the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
õppe läbiviimise õigus
Validity date of the right to conduct studies in the study programme group
tähtajatu
Access conditions
Bachelor degree or education of corresponding qualification in accordance with admission requirements of TalTech and Tallinn University.
Study programme aims and objectives
The aim of the curriculum is:
- to provide oppportunities for acquiring comprehensive academic education and the competences required for working as a vocational teacher;
- to develop an understanding of the functions of vocational education in the society;
- to support the development of preparedness for life-long learning, including the continuation of studies on the doctoral level;
- to develop the competencies for creating a learning environment which supports development.
The module of Didactics for specialisation as a technical teacher has been accredited by International Society of Engineering Education (IGIP). Persons, who have passed studies according to the module, may apply for the qualification of International Engineering Educator (ING-PAED IGIP) from IGIP Estonian Monitoring Committee. Show more...
- to provide oppportunities for acquiring comprehensive academic education and the competences required for working as a vocational teacher;
- to develop an understanding of the functions of vocational education in the society;
- to support the development of preparedness for life-long learning, including the continuation of studies on the doctoral level;
- to develop the competencies for creating a learning environment which supports development.
The module of Didactics for specialisation as a technical teacher has been accredited by International Society of Engineering Education (IGIP). Persons, who have passed studies according to the module, may apply for the qualification of International Engineering Educator (ING-PAED IGIP) from IGIP Estonian Monitoring Committee. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
After completing the curriculum the student:
- understands the key terms, theories and research methods in educational science, vocational education and didactics;
- critically evaluates various educational paradigms and their implementation, including the creation of a learning environment;
- establishes interdisciplinary links between pedagogic and specialty-based knowledge;
- analyses pedagogic processes and the factors affecting these processes from the viewpoint of the comprehensive development needs of the learner;
- demonstrates through independent research his/her in-depth knowledge in the field of educational science and teacher training both in Estonian and in a foreign language;
- is prepared to work as a vocational teacher and to participate in the civil society by following ethical principles;
- understands the links between vocational education, the society and the economy on the national and international level. Show more...
- understands the key terms, theories and research methods in educational science, vocational education and didactics;
- critically evaluates various educational paradigms and their implementation, including the creation of a learning environment;
- establishes interdisciplinary links between pedagogic and specialty-based knowledge;
- analyses pedagogic processes and the factors affecting these processes from the viewpoint of the comprehensive development needs of the learner;
- demonstrates through independent research his/her in-depth knowledge in the field of educational science and teacher training both in Estonian and in a foreign language;
- is prepared to work as a vocational teacher and to participate in the civil society by following ethical principles;
- understands the links between vocational education, the society and the economy on the national and international level. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Master of Arts in Education
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
24.0
Core studies
24.0
Special studies
48.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
18.0
Total
120.0
- +MAIN SPECIALITY 1: vocational teacher
- +MODULE: Subjects in General Educational Sciences and Psychology 24.0 ECTS credits (General studies)Aims- to support the development of an understanding of the psychological and ethical aspects of human beings and work in the contexts of the individual,
the group and civil society and science and technology;
- create the conditions for understanding the mental processes underlying learning and development in learning for people of all ages and for noticing and analyzing the developmental needs of learners;
- provide opportunities for understanding and systematically addressing the major issues of andragogy, supporting awareness of the andragogue's identity, and understanding the specificities of adult development and learning. Show more...Learning outcomesAfter completing the module the student:
- understands the psychological and ethical aspects of man and work in the context of the individual,
the group and civil society, and in the context of science and technology;
- understands the psychic processes underlying learning and development and their biological basis and assessment principles in the context of learning and developmental needs of people of different ages;
- understands the subjectivity of self-development as a major problem in andragogy and the peculiarities of adult development and learning, adaptation processes and learning situations in different professional and learning contexts. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 18.0 ECTS creditsElective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 6.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Core subjects 1: Vocational teacher's professionalism 24.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)Aims- to support the development of an understanding of the implementation of general management principles in the organization;
- to support the development of an understanding of the connections between the economy, the labor market and vocational education, regulations, educational political development trends and current problems;
- to support the development of an understanding of the theoretical approaches of professional didactics, the concepts and methods of job completion, which are the basis for creating a learning environment
- to support the development of an understanding of the development of vocational education and the process of quality assurance, as well as the readiness to prepare, evaluate and manage the curriculum development of vocational education curricula. Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has completed the module:
- understands the principles of general management in the context of the organization's system of procedures;
- analyzes the macro- and micro-level problems of the connections between the economy, the labor market and vocational education, the factors affecting them, and the Estonian vocational education policy and vocational education developments, based on national regulations and relevant data;
- analyzes the theoretical approaches, principles, methods and evaluation characteristics of job termination, creating connections with the context and practices of job termination;
- understands the process of development and quality assurance of professional education, the underlying theoretical understandings of vocational education curricula, conceptual foundations and curriculum design problems and the factors affecting them;
- analyzes the principles of vocational school curriculum preparation, evaluation and curriculum development management based on the taught specialty and the requirements of the curriculum;
- understands the theoretical concepts and basic concepts of vocational didactics and their application possibilities in designing a learning environment that supports development Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 24.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Speciality Studies 2: Educational Research 12.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)Aims- to support the development of understanding the basic principles and design of educational research;
- to develop competencies in qualitative and quantitative approaches and the possibilities of integrating these in one´s research;
- to provide opportunities for conducting independent research, incl. the application of appropriate research methods. Show more...Learning outcomesAfter completing the module the student:
- applies independently the competencies necessary for conducting educational research;
- recognises, studies and offers solutions to problems related to vocational education;
- compiles and implements a research plan and applies appropriate research methods;
- acquires a research experience. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 12.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Core subjects 3: Specialty Elective Module 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)AimsThis module consists of three elective modules: Supporting the Learner with Special Educational Needs (24 ECTS),
Entrepreneurship Pedagogy (24 ECTS) and Engineering Pedagogy. (24 EAP). The student chooses one elective module.
Elective Module 1: Engineering Pedagogy
- to develop a research-based and systematic understanding of the basic concepts, theories and effective interactive learning process of engineering pedagogy;
- to develop an understanding of innovative models, strategies and methods of engineering pedagogy for integrated teaching of technology, taking into account the individual differences of students and different learning styles;
- to support the engineering pedagogical competence of a technical teacher in the learning process in order to plan, conduct and analyze the learning process effectively, provide feedback and assess students' learning outcomes.
Subjects of the module: EME0450, EME0040, EME0140, EME0150.
Elective Module 2: Entrepreneurship Pedagogy
- to form a systematic understanding of the basic processes of the economy, the importance of an entrepreneurial attitude in the labor market and the nature of entrepreneurship, processes, company planning and development;
- to develop a research-based and systematic understanding of entrepreneurship pedagogy and its application in the context of general and vocational education and lifelong learning;
- to support the development of readiness for didactically practical and research-based planning, implementation and evaluation of entrepreneurship education based on the learner and the curriculum.
Subjects of the module: RIM7038.YK, TMJ3300, KAV7116.HR, KAV7123.HR.
Elective Module 3: Supporting the Learner with Special Educational Needs
- to develop an understanding of inclusive education, the nature and forms of special needs, rehabilitation opportunities and regulations;
- to support the development of readiness to notice a learner with special needs and to co-operate in supporting the learner's development and creating a safe learning environment;
- to support the development of readiness to adapt the learning of learners with special educational needs, to adapt the learning resources and to use digital tools that support learning.
Subjects of the Module: KAT7050.HR, KAT7046.HR, KAT7049.HR, EME0450. Show more...Learning outcomesElective Module 1: Engineering Pedagogy
Student who has passed the module:
- understands the basic concepts, theories and new developments of engineering pedagogy;
- understands the theoretical foundations and basic concepts of didactics of technical education and is able to competently and creatively plan didactically effective teaching, taking into account the individual differences of students and different learning styles;
- is able to carry out interactive teaching, applying modernized learner-centered learning and assessment methods;
- selects and compiles study tasks that integrate professional competencies, didactically effective study materials and uses expedient technological tools based on the peculiarities of learners and learning outcomes.
Elective Module 2: Entrepreneurship Pedagogy
Student who has passed the module:
- understands the most important basic economic theories and the connections between the main processes of the economy in the context of everyday economic phenomena and entrepreneurship;
- understands the nature of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship, the principles of the company's economic activities and marketing in the context of practical business planning;
- understands the theoretical foundations of entrepreneurship pedagogy and the possibilities of its research-based application in the planning of entrepreneurship education in the context of general and vocational education and lifelong learning;
- applies didactically effective study tasks, study materials and practical creative and development projects and technological tools supporting the achievement of learning outcomes that integrate entrepreneurship education based on the theoretical foundations of entrepreneurship pedagogy, the curriculum and the peculiarities of students.
Elective Module 3: Supporting the Learner with Special Educational Needs
Student who has passed the module:
- understands the principles of inclusive education, terminology related to special educational needs, the types of special needs of learners and the possibilities of adapting learning, based on regulations in the field and research-based resources;
- develops a collaborative and safe learning environment that supports the learning of a learner with special needs, adapting methods, working methods, teaching materials and digital learning tools;
- understands the possibilities of supporting the learner's self-regulatory skills and the prevention of behavioral problems and conflict situations, in the context of achieving academic results and creating a safe learning environment;
- understands evidence-based interventions and the principles of counseling and advisory ethics in inclusive education. Show more...Elective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterEME01506.04.02.00.02.0HSKTotal: at least 24.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Practice 12.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)Aims- create opportunities for science-based planning of the learning process,
analysis of the learner's development needs, and development of a safe learning environment supporting learning and learner development;
- create opportunities for cooperation in the development of professional training, the development of a vocational training image and the support of a colleague in the context of vocational training practice;
- to create opportunities for understanding the identity and comprehensive professional role of the vocational teacher and for developing the readiness of the vocational teacher to reflect on his / her work and professional development as a self-directed learner in the context of lifelong learning. Show more...Learning outcomesStudent who has passed the module:
- Plans, in collaboration with colleagues,
the learning activities and teaching methods, materials and assessment to support the achievement of learning outcomes, taking into account the importance of the curriculum, educational institution practices, learning organization records, theory, practice and independent work;
- develops a secure learning environment that supports learning and student development by engaging learners in learning activities and assessment, guiding group processes and taking into account the specificities of the target group, the impact of their personal role model on values and occupational health and safety requirements;
- Analyzes best practices of VET institutions in cooperation and support activities with colleagues, development of vocational training and image building of VET;
- understands the identity and comprehensive professional role of the vocational teacher and his / her willingness to work as a vocational teacher and the need for professional development based on reflection in his / her pedagogical activities. Show more...Elective courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: at least 12.0 ECTS credits - +MODULE: Optional Subjects 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)AimsTo create opportunities for the realization of the student's individual development needs and intellectual interests.Learning outcomesThe student:
- assesses his/her development needs, in accordance with the language proficiency requirements established in the curriculum;
- completes the subject of his/her choice, taking into account his/her development needs, intellectual interests and curriculum requirements. Show more... - +MODULE: Master Thesis 18.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)AimsThe master´s thesis is an independent research paper written
by the student in which a theoretical problem in educational science or a problem that has manifested itself in pedagogic reality is handled, its manifestations, reasons, background factors and possible solutions are studied.
The master´s thesis can be both a theoretical study and a paper seeking practical applications.
The goals of writing a master´s thesis are:
- the development of of skills in using speciality-based literature and databases;
- the acquisition of experience of independently conducting research;
- the development of skills in creating a scientific text on the basis of the terminology acquired during the studies;
- the ability to see and analyze problems of vocational education and offer scientifically grounded solutions to these problems;
- to enrich the pedagogic reality with new ideas and solutions. Show more...Learning outcomesA student who has defended a master´s thesis:
- has acquired theoretical knowledge on the topic chosen for research;
- has acquired methodological knowledge and skills related to research;
- knows how to use databases and work with specialty-based literature both in his/her mother tongue and in one foreign language;
- is able to analyze the manifestations of educational reality with reliable methods and to create conceptualized knowledge of this reality. Show more... - +STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
- +STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn session-based study
- +MINOR SPECIALITY MODULE: Teaching STEM (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics)Aims- to develop a scientific and systemic understanding of the key terms and theories of Engineering Pedagogy and the effective interactive teaching process;
- to develop an understanding of contemporary models, strategies and methods of Engineering Pedagogy for integrated teaching of engineering and technology, taking into account the students´ individual needs and different learning styles;
- to support the competences of technical teachers in engineering pedagogy in the teaching process, in order to plan, effectively conduct and analyse the teaching process, to give feedback to students and evaluate their learning outcomes;
- to develop an understanding of the process of contemporary product development and innovation, the principles of standardisation and quality, and their implementation in teaching engineering.
The module is accredited by International Society for Engineering Pedagogy, those who have passed the module may apply for qualification of International Engineering educator ING-PAED IGIP (www.igip.org ) Please consult with Estonian Centre for Engineering Pedagogy. Show more...Learning outcomesAfter completing the module the student:
- understands the basic concepts, theories and contemporary development trends of Engineering Pedagogy;
- understands the theoretical principles and key concepts of didactics in teaching engineering, plans competently and creatively a didactically sound teaching process, by taking into account the students’ individual needs and different learning styles;
- is able to manage interactive learning by implementing contemporary learner-centered teaching and assessment methods;
- chooses and compiles learning tasks which integrate speciality-based competences, didactically effective teaching materials, and uses appropriate technological study aids, taking into account the differences of the learners and the learning outcomes;
- understands the basic principles and strategies of product management and innovation, standardisation and quality, is able to implement these in his/her work and to analyse the efficiency of his/her work.
Please consult with Estonian Centre for Engineering Pedagogy. Show more...Compulsory courses:Course titleCourse codeECTS creditsHours per weekLecturesPracticesExercisesE/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.Teaching semesterTotal: 45.0 ECTS credits