Remote crafts

Craft teachers’ pedagogy and multidimensional competencies in the early stages of corona pandemic

Authors

• Sirpa Kokko Itä-Suomen yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7484-3543
• Anna Kouhia Helsingin yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5901-0153

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.114222

Keywords:

crafts, craft education, remote education, pandemic pedagogy, teacher competence, hacking

Abstract

The study investigates craft teachers’ multidimensional competencies and pedagogy during the corona pandemic. The data consists of craft teachers’ and craft student teachers’ (n=123) experiences, thoughts, and visions of remote craft education documented in two webinars in the autumn 2020. The qualitative data were analysed according to the teacher's multidimensional adapted process model of teaching (MAP). The analysis revealed that a rapid move to remote craft education challenged craft teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge. Their strong knowledge base for teaching and learning was crucial for developing new pedagogical solutions. Supporting good interaction in digital learning environment emerged as a specific pedagogical challenge. Understanding of students’ different backgrounds and resources was a prerequisite for the teachers’ diversity competency. The workload caused by remote education was undermining craft teachers’ professional well-being. Their professional identity and values concerning quality teaching contrasted with the practical implementation possibilities. The concept of hacking is discussed as a new perspective to craft pedagogy responsive to constantly changing situations.