What is studying with us like

Study Tips

Työväenopisto courses are for everyone. In the same course, there are participants with different needs, in various life situations and age groups. The reasons for studying/learning/taking a course vary. One person comes to learn something new, another to maintain their skills, a third to refresh and review forgotten material. And someone may participate primarily for the sake of community. This places demands on the teacher, but also on you as a course participant. You have a responsibility for your own learning. Familiarize yourself with the course objectives in advance, but remember that it can also be beneficial to formulate your own learning goals and reflect on them throughout the course.

You are part of the group!

Keep in mind to:

• arrive on time for the lesson and be prepared
• your own contribution is important for the whole group and the learning process
• change seats in the classroom occasionally and get to know other participants
• ask for help when needed
• give feedback directly to the teacher during the course
• talk to your teacher if you feel you are at the wrong level
• actively participate in discussions and group work
• show consideration, listen, and make space for others’ opinions
• practice/review at home as well in your own time
• create routines for your learning.

Participate actively and with an open mind – your attitude is visible to others and conveys energy!

Most of the Centre’s courses are taught in-person at our teaching facilities. A lesson is 45 minutes. In most cases, courses are taught for two lessons at a time, i.e. for 90 minutes.  

Online instruction   

Online instruction occurs online, where the instructor and the group are simultaneously present via computers.  

You will need a computer, tablet or smartphone and internet access to participate. You can share your comments and opinions with the instructor and other students online.  

Online learning emphasises the students’ active role – the instructor guides and activates students. Your active participation is an important part of creating group interaction.  

To participate in online courses, you should have a good command of information technology basics. The first session will introduce you to the online learning environment and tools. Depending on the course, you may use applications such as Teams, Google Meet and Skype. The course or lecture information will indicate the platform or software used. 

Blended teaching    

Blended teaching allows one part of the group to be present and another to participate remotely. Blended teaching can also be arranged in a way that the group has scheduled in-person meetings and online instruction.  

Self-study 

We also encourage students to study independently on the Centre’s premises. Computers for independent work are available in the lobbies and the library.  Ask the janitors if you need help with a computer. 

The digital stations have computers, a wide range of software, slide, film and photo scanners, and printing facilities.  
All the facilities have an open Stadinet network.  

Self-directed groups 

We also want to allow our students to work independently in our facilities. Courses that have been around for a long time may have closely-knit groups of people who can operate as self-directed groups in the Centre if they want. In this case, the group chooses a contact person from among its members to communicate between the Centre and the group. They can use the space for free and gather to discuss a topic they love. This way, there is always room for new students to join the courses, and old veterans can continue with a familiar group.