Koolitajad

Koolitajad are professionals who provide training and instruction, focusing on practical skills and competences, often outside formal school settings. They work in corporate training departments, vocational schools, continuing education centers, universities, and online platforms.

Etymology: The term comes from koolitama “to train” and the agent suffix -ja; koolitaja literally means “one who trains.”

Roles and contexts: Koolitajad design, implement, and evaluate training programs; assess learner needs; create curricula and materials; deliver workshops or courses; facilitate practical exercises; and measure learning outcomes. They may employ demonstrations, hands-on practice, simulations, e-learning modules, and other active-learning methods. They often tailor content to adult learners and professionals, focusing on workplace-relevant skills.

Qualifications and status: In Estonia, koolitajad can be industry professionals, educators, or specialists hired to deliver training. Formal qualifications vary by field; many have substantial domain experience and may hold pedagogical training or certifications in adult education, while others are certified trainers. Continuous professional development is common.

Relation to other educators and trends: Koolitajad differ from teachers (õpetajad) who work mainly in formal schools with defined curricula; koolitajad emphasize practical skills and shorter, often modular programs. Trends include increasing use of digital tools, e-learning, microlearning, blended formats, and collaboration with employers to align training with job requirements.

Typical activities:

- Define learning objectives and assess needs

- Develop curriculum materials and assessments

- Deliver in-person or online training

- Facilitate hands-on practice and simulations

- Evaluate outcomes and iterate programs