Uncertainty and excitement, satisfaction and wonder. The final weeks before submitting my dissertation for pre-examination were filled with these emotions—and many more. One moment I was questioning the results of my research; the next, I found myself actually feeling rather satisfied with the work. According to my supervisor’s reassuring words, such feelings are completely normal. […]

The internship we completed in the research group was one of the most rewarding and interesting experiences of our pedagogical studies in adult education. We had the opportunity to gain insight into academic work and the functioning of a research community, as well as to learn from inspiring and highly skilled experts. The Versatility of […]

For the last six months, I have been deeply immersed in analysing interview transcripts with leaders and change agents involved in digital transformation initiatives in their companies. Defining digital transformation Digital transformation is a concept with varied meanings for researchers and practitioners. It can represent backend transformations, such as integrating existing information systems or AI […]

The end of February in Brisbane, Australia, is sunny and warm. After long flights, a tired mind seeks refuge in the soft bed of the apartment to sleep before there’s any chance to focus on the purpose of the trip: research collaboration with Australian colleagues within the framework of my *EDLI project. *The EDLI project, […]

The neighbor’s rooster shows no mercy. Around four in the morning, it declares the start of the day with such determination that I’ve devised several theoretical plans to silence it. Time will tell if theory ever turns into practice. I try to snooze a little longer, but soon the bells of a nearby Hindu temple […]

During the early months of the year, I have spent a lot of time scouring bars. Not so much drinking, but listening to conversations. I am studying how adults learn and construct their understanding of society in informal everyday spaces—one of the most interesting examples being the different “bar parliaments” that gather in bars, cafés […]

I heard about the position of research assistant from the Whatsapp group in Kassos, the association of education and adult education students (University of Eastern Finland). The job description would include the transcription of the dissertation researcher’s interview material. I had experience of transcription from my bachelor’s thesis and found it to be an engaging research phase. Working […]

JATKOT Continues in 2025, Broader and More Diverse Than Ever! As we embark on the new year, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far. How did we get to where we are today? At the end of 2023 an email from the Finnish Cultural Foundation brought joyful news: our JATKOT […]

The Working Life Research Days 2024 were held as per tradition at Tampere University in November. During the opening ceremony, the scale of participation became evident as hundreds of experts researching and developing working life gathered in one hall. They were welcomed by Anne Mäkikangas, followed by the opening remarks of Tampere University’s rector and […]

Working based on collective-self-determination means that the team is independently steered in a common direction through open and supportive interaction. Collective self-determination is constructed through small everyday interactions that support team autonomy, competence and relatedness. Working in collective self-determined manner, the team is autonomously guided in a common direction through open, constructive and supportive interaction. […]