New professor of technology education inspires young people to the field of technology

Doctor of Education Maria Clavert (born 1986) has been appointed Professor of Practice at the Aalto University Design Factory for the time period from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2023.

Technology education produces an understanding of technological application possibilities, operating principles and technological environments, and encourages young people to apply for studies in science and technology.

‘Finland is going through a positive structural change, resulting in an increasing need for top hi-tech professionals. The objective of Aalto University is to promote technology education at all educational levels and to develop teacher education in the field. The new professor has an important societal role in this mission,’ says Vice President Eero Eloranta, who is in charge of teaching at Aalto University.

Maria Clavert has been working as a development expert at Aalto Design Factory since 2010. She has also been involved in the process of establishing the interdisciplinary Aaltonaut bachelor’s minor programme and acted as a pedagogical mentor for teachers.

‘Technology expertise is Finland’s competitive asset and Aalto University is one of the leading players in the field. My goal is for Aalto University’s expertise in teaching and development in the field of technology to be recognised both in Finland and internationally’, Clavert says.

Clavert believes that by raising awareness of the possibilities offered by technology, we can tackle the challenges of technology education – such as how to get more girls to apply for studies in the field.

‘We must make it visible already in comprehensive schools and upper secondary schools that technology is related to the solution of global challenges, innovation activities and entrepreneurship. Technology education is multidisciplinary and involves experts in all sectors. It coaches the game changers of the future’, Clavert says.

Clavert’s other goal is to support Aalto University teachers, who work as pioneers of technology education. She wants to be involved in taking forward especially bachelor’s level studies.

‘Developing the teaching of basic courses is often challenging because of the large number of students and limited resources. However, Aalto University has already manifested its reform of basic education in the field of technology. For example, multidisciplinary co-teaching took place on the Electric Workshop-course, which was based on project work done by students’, Clavert says.

Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation has donated 300 000 euros for the establishment of the professorship. In addition to Aalto University, Helsinki University is also in the process of establishing a professorship in technology education.

Contact information:

Maria Clavert
Professor of Practice
maria.clavert@aalto.fi 
+358 50 521 3044