Physical Pedagogical Environments: Teachers’ Views

Theodora Salti; Maria Huhmarniemi; Mirja   Hiltunen

doi:10.24135/teacherswork.v22i2.653

Theodora Salti University of Lapland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8637-6464
Maria Huhmarniemi University of Lapland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3521-0679
Mirja Hiltunen University of Lapland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3323-3225

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/teacherswork.v22i2.653

Keywords: learning environments,, Reggio Emilia pedagogical philosophy, posthumanism, arts-based educational research, arts-based research

Abstract

The pedagogical environment’s significant role in education is viewed as a “third educator” in Reggio Emilia’s pedagogical philosophy. This study employs a posthuman theoretical framework and an art-based educational research method to explore how teachers experience the role of physical pedagogical environments, the barriers that may hinder their use, and potential strategies to overcome the obstacles. The study was conducted in Sweden, and thirteen teachers shared their perspectives on physical pedagogical environments. Research data included teachers’ drawings, interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Findings reveal that, while teachers recognise the importance of physical pedagogical environments in teaching, they encounter challenges in utilising them effectively and suggest ways to address these obstacles. Continuous education for teachers, inspiring physical learning environments in teacher education, and practical training are essential to fulfil the potential and enhance the use of physical pedagogical environments in accordance with the posthuman paradigm.

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Author Biographies

Theodora Salti, University of Lapland

Theodora Salti is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Lapland, Faculty of Art and Design, where she previously completed her traineeship as a research assistant. She holds a master's degree in educational research from the University of Gothenburg. She is trained as a preschool teacher, drama educator, atelierista, and pedagogista with further training in theater (directing, set design, acting), film, and photography. Additionally, she is the author of both academic and pedagogical literature and an active member of Drama Researchers in Sweden. Her research interests have led her to pioneer an arts-based educational action research method, building on previous approaches in both arts-based action research and educational action research. Her research is focused on education, drama, pedagogical environments, and teachers’ professional development in early childhood and primary school education. https://nacerteam.weebly.com/theodora-salti.html

Maria Huhmarniemi, University of Lapland

Maria Huhmarniemi, DA, is a Vice Dean and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Lapland. She is dedicated to art and research that enhances cultural sustainability in the Arctic and promotes Arctic art and art education. She has created socially and environmentally engaged art and pioneered arts-based methods to address societal needs. Huhmarniemi also carries the title of docent at the University of Eastern Finland, specializing in social pedagogy. She is the vice-lead for the Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design network and is responsible for the Special Interest Groups: Arctic Arts and Visual Culture Education. https://nacerteam.weebly.com/maria-huhmarniemi.html

Mirja Hiltunen, University of Lapland

Mirja Hiltunen, DA, is Professor of Art Education and the head of the Art Education major at the University of Lapland. She focuses her research and art on critical arts-based practices in questions of social justice in the context of contemporary art education in the North. The place-specificity, performativity, and socially engaged practices are of particular interest to her. She is one of the leaders of the Northern Art, Community, and Environment Research Group. She has presented numerous international research papers and published her work in art education journals, books, and art exhibitions. https://nacerteam.weebly.com/mirja-hiltunen.html

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Physical Pedagogical Environments: Teachers’ Views

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