Oppijaryhmä

Oppijaryhmä (singular oppijaryhmä; plural oppijaryhmät) is a Finnish term for a small group of learners who work together to support each other’s learning. The group is typically formed within a classroom or learning setting and is guided by a teacher or facilitator. A common size is three to six students, though arrangements can vary.

The purpose of an oppijaryhmä is to promote collaborative, active learning through structured interaction. Members practice dialogue, explain concepts to one another, and tackle tasks with shared responsibility. The approach supports differentiated instruction by allowing targeted support, peer tutoring, and the differentiation of tasks to meet diverse needs. It is often used to strengthen language, reading, mathematics, or problem-solving skills, and to foster metacognitive and social skills such as communication, cooperation, and feedback.

Implementation involves careful planning and ongoing monitoring. Groups are usually formed based on goals, abilities, or needs, and may be homogeneous or mixed. Sessions include clear objectives, defined tasks, and roles (for example facilitator, scribe, or presenter). Progress is assessed through observation, short checks, or formative assessments, and findings inform adaptations to tasks or group composition. It is important to maintain inclusivity and avoid stigmatization, ensuring that participation benefits all students and aligns with the curriculum.

In practice, oppijaryhmä is commonly used as part of differentiation and inclusive education. It can be a temporary or recurring structure and may be applied in various subjects, language development, or literacy and numeracy supports, depending on classroom goals and resources.