My research brings clarity to the role of ECEC teachers and supports children’s learning
The series Research in the Spotlight allows researchers from Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius to discuss their current research activities.
Essi Korkeaniemi, M.A. (Educ.), works as university teacher of early childhood education in the Department of Education at the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius. This academic year she is working on her doctoral dissertation, for which she has a grant from the SKR Central Ostrobothnia Fund.
Leadership in ECEC needs clarity
I am studying pedagogical leadership in teams in Finnish early childhood education and care. The ECEC teacher is responsible for the pedagogical activities in a child group. This includes related planning, implementation, assessment and development. The teacher also leads a multiprofessional team of educators. The background of my research leans on the observation that the teacher’s managerial role is partly unclear.
Leadership plays a key role in the quality of ECEC. My research aims to shed light on the phenomenon of pedagogical leadership in teams and to clarify the role of teachers as team leaders. My dissertation consists of three articles in which I examine, for instance, the discourses on leadership produced by ECEC teachers and of the conditions that the organisational culture of Finnish ECEC offers for the leadership of pedagogical activities within teams.
High-quality ECEC as a pillar of society
The study is significant for Finnish ECEC and its quality. It increases understanding of what pedagogical team leadership entails, the interactive aspects of such leadership and the organisational culture of Finnish ECEC as they relate to leading pedagogical teamwork.
The research results can be used to support the national guidance and development of ECEC, and it enables ECEC personnel reflect on their own work and develop their own expertise. Another goal of my research is to develop ECEC teacher training with a research-based approach. At the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius, we have been organising ECEC teacher training since 2021.
High-quality early childhood education and care has a positive impact on children’s cognitive and social development as well on the quality of life of families. High-quality ECEC promotes the growth of human capital and contributes to creating equality in society.
In recent years, there has been a shortage of ECEC teachers, and it is common for teachers to change fields. In order to establishing high-quality ECEC that staff must have a clear understanding of their job descriptions. Through my research, I aim to contribute to strengthening the conditions that enable every child to grow and learn in a safe, goal-oriented, and well-managed early childhood education environment.
