Follow-up evaluation of programmes taught through a foreign language at Finnish institutions of higher education Riitta Pyykkö University of Turku, FINHEEC

Teaching Through a Foreign Language From Tool to Empowering Mediator FINHEEC 1999 < teaching through a foreign language grew > quality of programmes? added value for students, employers and institutions?

A follow-up in 2005 should not only examine how the recommendations have been fulfilled <the changing role and context of international programmes

General remarks I from exchange studies to degree studies integration in Finnish society more important (< demography) proportion of foreign students still low balance (outgoing-incoming) quite good

General remarks II exchange Europe centred most degree students come from China, Russia, Sweden, Estonia internationalisation at home programmes vs. research system & competitiveness of Finland

The follow-up in 2005 in 1999: 15 institutions were evaluated in 2005: 11 of them answered both universities and polytechnics questionnaire of 27 questions 8 for the central administration + 19 to the programmes themselves

Preliminary conclusions I teaching & information material, tutoring all in English tutoring of newcomers quite good language skills of teachers better than in 1999

Preliminary conclusions II programmes in English an integral part of teaching strategy > not the same courses in Finnish and in English (esp. in universities) degree & non-degree programmes both still needed

Preliminary conclusions II the meaning of the language of teaching? (only some and superficial answers) teacher training (language & pedagogical) better organised in polytechnics teacher exchange must be encouraged only English?

Preliminary conclusions III contact hours vs. independent work more contact hours in polytechnics Finnish language and culture > integration to Finnish society

Preliminary conclusions IV the role of foreign visiting teachers & representatives of working life in planning process almost no use of national networks

Preliminary conclusions V students recruitment more systematic in polytechnics for university students the main channel CIMO, Study in Finland

The final report will be ready in October National seminar Helsinki October 24th