Kasvatusteaduste

Kasvatusteaduste, commonly translated as education sciences, is an interdisciplinary field that investigates how people learn and develop within educational settings and social contexts. It combines theories from psychology, sociology, philosophy and pedagogy with empirical research to understand and improve teaching, learning, curriculum, assessment and educational policy. The field seeks to explain what makes education effective, equitable and accessible across different ages, cultures and institutions.

Subfields and topics include pedagogy and curriculum studies; learning sciences; psychology of education; sociology of education; assessment and evaluation; educational administration and leadership; teacher education; early childhood, special and inclusive education; adult and continuing education; and digital and online learning. Comparative and international education often examines how policies and practices differ across countries and systems.

Research methods in kasvatusteaduste are diverse, spanning qualitative and quantitative approaches, mixed methods, and design-based or action research. Data sources include classroom observations, interviews, surveys, experiments and policy analyses. The field emphasizes evidence-based practice while acknowledging context, culture, and ethics in educational settings.

Historically, kasvatusteaduste has its roots in philosophy and pedagogy and has evolved through influences from psychology and sociology. In many regions it has grown from teacher training to a distinct scientific discipline, with theoretical frameworks ranging from behaviorism and cognitivism to constructivism and critical pedagogy shaping how learning is understood and supported.

Applications of education sciences include informing curriculum design, classroom practice, teacher preparation, school management, policy development, and educational technology implementation. The aim is to improve learning outcomes, promote equity and inclusion, and adapt education to changing social and economic needs across lifelong learning pathways.