seurantaopissa

seurantaopissa is a Finnish term that translates to "monitoring learning" or "learning monitoring." It refers to a pedagogical approach focused on the continuous observation and evaluation of a student's learning process. This goes beyond simply assessing the final outcome of a task or test. Instead, it emphasizes understanding how a student progresses, identifies challenges, and develops their skills over time.

The core principle of seurantaopissa is to make the learning journey visible. Teachers using this approach actively observe students during various learning activities, such as group work, problem-solving, or independent study. They look for signs of understanding, misconceptions, engagement levels, and the strategies students employ. This observation is often informal and can be supplemented by brief discussions, student self-reflections, or short, formative assessments.

The purpose of seurantaopissa is to provide timely and targeted support. By understanding where a student is struggling or excelling, educators can adapt their teaching methods, offer individualized feedback, and provide appropriate scaffolding. It also empowers students by helping them become more aware of their own learning processes, fostering self-regulation and metacognitive skills. This approach aims to create a more responsive and student-centered learning environment, where learning is seen as an ongoing, dynamic process rather than a series of isolated events.