Noste – strategic development of education through collaboration

The importance of education and the investment in its development are demonstrated by the Noste development programme currently underway at the University of Oulu. Since 2022, Noste has supported and coordinated the systematic and collaborative strategic development of education. At its best, strategic development highlights the significance and value of education visible, both within the University of Oulu’s academic community and beyond the university.

Community involvement as the foundation of educational development

In the early stages of the Noste development programme, the working group discussed the principles and practices that would guide its implementation. In addition, it also reviewed different frameworks and guidelines for development work. As a result of these discussions, community involvement emerged as one of the core operating principles. In Noste, community involvement means engaging the wider academic community, including students, staff and alumni, in development work whenever possible. Such collaboration makes strategic objectives into concrete actions, ensuring that strategic goals become a lived reality rather than remaining merely rhetoric.

The University of Oulu community has embraced the development work with great enthusiasm and has shown a strong commitment to advancing Noste development projects that have emerged from within the community itself. To date, more than 90 projects have been completed or are currently underway, supporting educational development at the university, faculty, and degree programme levels. Next year, the first Noste development projects implemented jointly by several faculties will also be launched.

From development projects to lasting impact

One of Noste's most visible achievements is the digipedamentor activities, funded through the university's strategic funding. The active digipedamentor network supports teachers in developing their pedagogical and digital competences, while also promoting the systematic advancement of digitalisation across the faculties. In addition, Noste has contributed to the development of student feedback processes and feedback management practices, as well as supporting the definition of generic skills and their integration into curriculum work.

The community-based approach has improved the quality of development work and strengthened its impact, thus contributing to the continuous improvement of education. Through ongoing dialogue, important perspectives and new ideas have emerged from faculties and service units across the university. As a result of this collaborative approach, a deep and shared understanding of both development needs and means has been formed. There is also a strong commitment to development among the University's key educational stakeholders. They have been involved throughout the process and have had opportunities to influence both the development plans and their implementation.

On the other hand, a community-based strategic development has required a considerable effort from both the university community and Noste key actors. In order to identify goals, build meaningful measures and, above all, engage the community, numerous presentations, surveys, workshops, action clinics, emails, Patio-news and new operating models have been needed. However, all of this has been worth the effort and has provided the university staff and students opportunities to contribute and influence the development process. In this way, strategic development has also been made visible and part of everyday life.

A sincere thank you to the entire academic community of the University of Oulu for your contribution to the Noste work. Every initiative, idea, suggestion, discussion, question, piece of feedback, and meeting attended – every encounter – has taken the work forward and demonstrated that education matters and that there is a genuine commitment to investing in its quality. In the Noste development program, the work continues to enable a high-quality and flexible education offering and an excellent learning experience for every student.

Elina Niemitalo-Haapola, Head of Programme

The Noste development programme was launched in 2022, and its purpose is to implement the University of Oulu's strategic development programme "High-quality and flexible education offering, excellent learning experience". Noste also coordinates or supports various university-level education development projects. The Noste work is led by Vice Rector for Education Mirja Illikainen, and it is carried out in close cooperation with faculties and service units that support education.

More information about Noste:

Elina Niemitalo-Haapola, Head of Programme, Strategy and Operations Management, (elina.niemitalo-haapola@oulu.fi), +358 50 511 8905

Anu Rytivaara, Specialist, Strategy and Operations Management, (anu.rytivaara@oulu.fi), +358 50 591 5460

Further information on the development of education: https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/development-education