Pirkko Kouri
ABOUT THE PRESENTATION
Developing Unified Structure and Co-operation between Disciplines as Part of Master Level Curriculum
Savonia University of Applied Science (henceforth Savonia) offers nine master-level programmes in different fields of education (Business, Natural Resources, Tourism and Hospitality, Engineering, Social and Health Care). In order to meet the eligibility criteria for Master’s degrees, applicants have at least three years' relevant work experience after graduation from the field of the required education. Savonia’s mission is to offer education that proactively meets the changing needs of society, and in order to meet national qualification framework, Master level 7, requirements efficiently Savonia has developed a new approach to accomplish and assure the required high level learning. Open Innovation approach (OIS) is accepted to all curriculums. The most central issues in OIS are work-life orientation, interdisciplinary approach and authenticity. OIS approach emphasis closer cooperation with students, teachers, other employees and working life. During last decade Savonia has selected and implemented EFQM-model both in bachelor and master level education. In year 2010 Savonia organised benchmarking in collaboration with neighboring university of applied sciences. When preparing the joint benchmarking Savonia utilized results from ‘National Benchmarking project’s in year 2009’, and so called ‘Agile methods’ (Ketterä). Agile self-evaluation method is process which began following ways: each teacher evaluated of his/her master programme. The findings of evaluations, like good practices/’week’ practices, were openly shared and discussed in multidiscipline workshops. Based on discussion Savonia chose and time scheduled targets for development in phases. Teacher charge in each master programme were recruited and given resources to join the special working group. Furthermore Savonia hired a coordinator who organized regular monthly meetings, and four ‘quality workshops’ in collaboration with quality manager. After two years of work Savonia has harmonized the structure of versatile programmes (curriculum, evaluation criteria for the thesis, jointly organized, optional courses to all master students), and a common MOODLE learning environment available to all Master’s programmes. During this time every teacher rethought her/his way of teaching and learning, and mirrored his/her working ways with others, and simultaneously developed own work. Development process in ongoing and words: ‘plan, act, evaluate and improve’ guide the daily work. Savonia’s challenges are internationalization and how to collaborate more deeper with the changing working life, for instance.
The presentation gives an overview and examples of Savonia’s development work, and it is beneficial in other educational organisations as well.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Pirkko Kouri, PhD, RN, PHN
Pirkko Kouri is principal Lecturer in Health Care Technology and working at Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Unit of Health Care, Kuopio. She coordinates all master level programmes’ development groups, and is in charge of Health and Welfare Technology programme leading to Master of Health Care. She has worked many years in versatile Health informatics projects, especially in maternity and child health care fields, on national and international level. She is currently studying quality issues as part of her career studies.
Pirkko Kouri:
Member of eHealth Strategic Advisory Group at the International Council of Nurses (ICN)
Member of ICN telenursing advisory
Member of IMIA-NI education working group since 2007.
Nationally, she is a board member and secretary in Finnish Telemedicine and eHealth Association (STeHS).
