lähtökohdanäytökset

Lähdökohdanäytökset, often translated as "starting point displays" or "contextual demonstrations," refers to a pedagogical approach used in educational settings, particularly in Finland. It involves presenting students with a practical or theoretical situation that serves as a foundation for subsequent learning. The primary goal of a lähdökohdanäytös is to activate prior knowledge, stimulate curiosity, and provide a concrete context for the concepts that will be explored.

This method is not about pre-testing or assessing existing knowledge in a formal sense. Instead, it aims to reveal students' current understanding, misconceptions, and potential learning pathways. By observing how students engage with the starting point, educators can tailor their teaching strategies to address individual and collective needs. The demonstration can take various forms, such as a problem to solve, a phenomenon to observe, a task to perform, or even a short video or text.

The interaction with the lähdökohdanäytös allows students to articulate their thoughts and reasoning, often through discussion or written reflection. This process of making their thinking visible is crucial for both the student and the teacher. For students, it fosters metacognitive skills as they become more aware of their own learning. For teachers, it provides invaluable insights into the learning process, enabling them to guide students more effectively towards the intended learning objectives. The approach emphasizes student-centered learning and collaborative exploration.