kiertävänäopetuksen

Kiertävänäopetus, or circular education, is an educational approach that aligns learning practices with principles of the circular economy. It encourages students to understand and apply concepts such as resource efficiency, waste minimization, product life extension, and sustainable consumption in both theoretical and practical contexts. The term combines the Finnish word *kiertä* meaning “to rotate” or “to cycle” with *opetus*, meaning “teaching”.

The curriculum typically integrates interdisciplinary projects that require students to design, prototype, or evaluate products or systems that can be repaired, reused, remanufactured, or recycled. In classroom settings, lessons often involve case studies of circular business models, lifecycle assessments, and circular design challenges. Hands‑on activities may include repurposing discarded materials into new artifacts, mapping waste flows in local communities, or simulating supply chain decisions that favor circular outcomes.

Research on circular education suggests that students who participate in these programs develop heightened problem‑solving skills, environmental stewardship, and a systems‑thinking mindset. They also gain familiarity with emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing, digital twins, and materials informatics that support circular strategies. Nevertheless, implementation faces obstacles such as limited teacher training, the need for specialized lab equipment, and aligning circular learning objectives with existing standardized assessment criteria.

Pilot programmes in Finland, Sweden, and Germany report improved engagement among middle‑school and university students, and collaborations with local industries that provide real‑world challenges. Future development of kiertävänäopetus is likely to be driven by policy incentives to embed circularity into national education standards and by partnerships between schools, businesses, and research institutions.