Explore my research contributions through various academic platforms, including Google Scholar, GitHub, ResearcherID, and more. Access my latest publications, data repositories, and scholarly work, ensuring visibility across interdisciplinary research communities. Stay updated with my ongoing projects, peer-reviewed articles, and open-source collaborations that contribute to advancing knowledge in my field
With over a decade of interdisciplinary experience, I have thrived in roles as an educator, researcher, and data analyst. My teaching portfolio covers a range of subjects, including Information Behavior, Finance, Tax Accounting, and Application of Computer in Accounting. As a researcher, I have contributed to projects like the Mobile Futures initiative, focusing on trust and values in European labor markets. My expertise in data analytics, particularly with Python, has enabled me to generate impactful insights into societal challenges and deliver actionable outcomes.
I thrive on autonomy in both academic and professional settings. Whether independently delivering courses or conducting complex research, I take initiative to ensure high-quality outcomes. My ability to manage diverse tasks—from teaching advanced concepts to performing data-driven investigations—demonstrates my self-reliant approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Collaboration and active engagement are at the core of my work. As a dedicated educator, I involve students through interactive learning and group assignments. In research, I engage with interdisciplinary teams to explore critical topics like cross-cultural behavior and immigration attitudes. My commitment to teamwork ensures that my contributions consistently enhance project outcomes and learning environments.
I immersed myself in the field of Information Studies, delving into the complexities of health information behavior and its influence on immigrant communities in Nordic countries. Through advanced data analytics, mixed-method research, and digital information modeling, I navigated the intricate relationship between trust, cultural adaptation, and digital health literacy, forging a data-driven path to better understand marginalized communities.
I embarked on an intellectual journey into knowledge management, mastering the art of structuring, analyzing, and optimizing information flows in digital and healthcare contexts. With a focus on e-health and digital literacy, I explored how older adults navigate health information ecosystems, forging a connection between user behavior, technology, and healthcare accessibility
Immersing myself in the intricate world of financial modeling and investment strategies, I developed expertise in risk assessment, capital markets, and asset pricing theories. Navigating the complexities of systematic and non-systematic risk, I cultivated a data-driven approach to financial decision-making, blending quantitative analysis with economic foresight to assess investment performance.
I delved deep into the fundamentals of accounting and taxation, mastering the principles of financial reporting, tax law, and auditing. Exploring the intricate balance between regulatory compliance and economic efficiency, I developed a strong analytical mindset, navigating the realms of corporate finance, fiscal policy, and strategic financial planning.
I embarked on an enriching journey into pedagogical sciences, blending theory with practice to master the art of teaching, guidance, and competency-based learning. This internationally recognized qualification equips me with the skills to teach in vocational institutions and universities of applied sciences, as well as to develop staff training programs in corporate and professional settings.
Through collaborative and diverse learning environments, I am gaining expertise in:
✔ Curriculum planning & educational theory
✔ Teaching in multicultural & digital classrooms
✔ Guidance methods and competency-based assessment
✔ Networking & fostering well-being in educational settings
This program strengthens my ability to develop learning environments that adapt to evolving professional landscapes, ensuring that education remains dynamic, inclusive, and im
I delved into the power of data-driven decision-making, mastering advanced analytical techniques and machine learning to extract valuable insights from complex datasets. Through this specialization, I explored:
✔ Introduction to Analytics – Building a strong foundation in data processing, statistical analysis, and business intelligence tools.
✔ Machine Learning for Predictive Problems – Developing AI-driven models for forecasting trends and making data-informed decisions.
✔ Visual Analytics – Enhancing data storytelling through interactive dashboards and visual representation techniques.
✔ Machine Learning for Descriptive Problems – Applying unsupervised learning techniques to discover hidden patterns and optimize decision-making.
I immersed myself in data-driven migration research, analyzing European Social Survey data to understand how trust and information exposure influence European managers’ attitudes toward immigrants. My role involved:
✔ Data processing, cleaning, and visualization using Python, pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib.
✔ Developing statistical models such as regression analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to uncover hidden insights.
✔ Applying machine learning techniques to detect trends in large-scale migration data.
✔ Collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers to translate data insights into impactful policy recommendations.
During my doctoral research, I delved into the intersection of information science, health behavior, and digital ecosystems. My work focused on understanding how immigrants navigate digital health information landscapes in Nordic countries. Key contributions:
✔ Conducted both qualitative and quantitative research, utilizing NVivo for thematic analysis, SmartPLS for structural equation modeling, and SPSS for statistical testing.
✔ Designed and analyzed large-scale surveys, exploring immigrant health information-seeking behavior.
✔ Lectured in Information Behaviour 1 & 2, mentoring students on digital literacy, data analytics, and health information systems.
I engaged in humanitarian fundraising efforts, ensuring sustainable financial support for crisis response initiatives. My contributions included:
✔ Securing donor commitments through impactful face-to-face interactions.
✔ Ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations while handling donor information.
I navigated the intricate world of financial compliance, auditing, and risk assessment, delivering precise financial evaluations. My key responsibilities:
✔ Conducted financial audits and compliance checks across various industries.
✔ Designed custom financial reporting spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel, improving efficiency and accuracy.
In this leadership role, I spearheaded the transformation of financial operations by integrating enterprise financial management software. Key achievements:
✔ Managed financial reporting, budgeting, and taxation, ensuring seamless financial operations.
✔ Led a digital transformation project, transitioning operations to Hamkaran System’s enterprise software.
✔ Developed SQL-based custom reports, optimizing data analysis for strategic decision-making.
My early career in accounting honed my skills in financial operations, bookkeeping, and data analytics. Key responsibilities:
✔ Managed daily financial transactions, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting.
✔ Designed Excel-based financial tracking tools, improving data-driven decision-making.
As a Project Researcher at the Migration Institute of Finland and Åbo Akademi University, I conduct quantitative research for the Mobile Futures project, funded by the Research Council of Finland. My work focuses on analyzing European Social Survey (ESS) data using Python to examine how trust, values, and digital information encounters shape European managers' attitudes toward immigrants. Specifically, I contribute to:
I process, clean, and visualize large-scale datasets using Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib. Additionally, I apply advanced statistical techniques, including Multilevel Linear Regression, to analyze hierarchical data structures and uncover patterns in managers' trust and value systems. My research contributes to ongoing academic discussions, with findings under review in leading migration studies journals, supporting evidence-based policymaking on labor market inclusion and migration governance in Europe.
This postdoctoral research project, funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation, is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2025, at the Migration Institute of Finland. This project will explore how AI-driven services can enhance the labor market integration of international students in Finland, addressing key barriers such as language proficiency, discrimination in hiring, and lack of labor market knowledge. The study will be conducted in multiple phases, including meta-analysis, qualitative research with students and employers, and the development of an AI-powered employment framework.
AI-Driven Solutions for Labor Market Integration of International Students in Finland
Mobile Futures: Analyzing Migration Perceptions with Data Science
Earned the Google Data Analytics Certificate, demonstrating proficiency in data analysis techniques, including data cleaning, visualization, and interpretation using tools like Excel, SQL, and R. This certification enhances my ability to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.
Completed the Intermediate Pandas Python Library for Data Science course, advancing my skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization using Pandas. Gained expertise in handling large datasets, performing grouping, merging, reshaping, and advanced indexing. Developed efficiency in time series analysis and data preprocessing for machine learning workflows.
Completed the Pandas Python Library for Beginners in Data Science course, gaining foundational skills in data manipulation and analysis using Python. Learned essential Pandas functions for reading, cleaning, filtering, and summarizing datasets. Developed a strong understanding of data structures like Series and DataFrames, preparing data for further analysis in machine learning and statistical modeling.
Completed an 18-hour hands-on course from the University of Washington with a grade of 95.79%, covering fundamental machine learning concepts. Developed expertise in regression, classification, clustering, retrieval, recommender systems, and deep learning. Applied these techniques to real-world case studies, including predicting house prices, sentiment analysis, and product recommendations. Gained proficiency in using Python for implementing machine learning models and evaluating their performance with relevant error metrics.
Completed the MATLAB Onramp training, gaining foundational skills in MATLAB programming, data visualization, and mathematical computing. Developed expertise in handling matrices and arrays, writing scripts, debugging code, and performing basic numerical analysis. Acquired hands-on experience with MATLAB’s built-in functions for data manipulation and visualization.
Completed NVivo Online Training (Blended Learning) with Alfasoft in collaboration with Åbo Akademi University. Acquired expertise in qualitative data analysis, including thematic coding, content analysis, and data visualization techniques. Developed skills in managing large textual datasets, analyzing qualitative responses, and deriving insights for academic and industry research
Completed a comprehensive introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT), covering key concepts such as systems, information and networks, probability, game theory, and IoT applications. Gained insights into different types of data and their impact on device communication. Developed the ability to identify real-world IoT applications and perform basic system analysis.
Gained expertise in creating advanced path models using SmartPLS, useful in both research and industry decision-making. Learned to analyze how attitudes and subjective norms impact behavioral change. Developed skills in running models across groups (e.g., gender-based analysis) and interpreting results to provide actionable recommendations.
Acquired hands-on experience in building path models using SmartPLS for data-driven decision-making in research and industry. Developed skills in uploading datasets, designing structural models, and executing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Gained proficiency in interpreting model outputs to derive meaningful insights and recommendations.
Earned the Google Data Analytics Certificate, demonstrating proficiency in data analysis techniques, including data cleaning, visualization, and interpretation using tools like Excel, SQL, and R. This certification enhances my ability to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.
Completed the Intermediate Pandas Python Library for Data Science course, advancing my skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization using Pandas. Gained expertise in handling large datasets, performing grouping, merging, reshaping, and advanced indexing. Developed efficiency in time series analysis and data preprocessing for machine learning workflows.
Completed the Pandas Python Library for Beginners in Data Science course, gaining foundational skills in data manipulation and analysis using Python. Learned essential Pandas functions for reading, cleaning, filtering, and summarizing datasets. Developed a strong understanding of data structures like Series and DataFrames, preparing data for further analysis in machine learning and statistical modeling.
Completed an 18-hour hands-on course from the University of Washington with a grade of 95.79%, covering fundamental machine learning concepts. Developed expertise in regression, classification, clustering, retrieval, recommender systems, and deep learning. Applied these techniques to real-world case studies, including predicting house prices, sentiment analysis, and product recommendations. Gained proficiency in using Python for implementing machine learning models and evaluating their performance with relevant error metrics.
Completed the MATLAB Onramp training, gaining foundational skills in MATLAB programming, data visualization, and mathematical computing. Developed expertise in handling matrices and arrays, writing scripts, debugging code, and performing basic numerical analysis. Acquired hands-on experience with MATLAB’s built-in functions for data manipulation and visualization.
Completed NVivo Online Training (Blended Learning) with Alfasoft in collaboration with Åbo Akademi University. Acquired expertise in qualitative data analysis, including thematic coding, content analysis, and data visualization techniques. Developed skills in managing large textual datasets, analyzing qualitative responses, and deriving insights for academic and industry research
Completed a comprehensive introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT), covering key concepts such as systems, information and networks, probability, game theory, and IoT applications. Gained insights into different types of data and their impact on device communication. Developed the ability to identify real-world IoT applications and perform basic system analysis.
Gained expertise in creating advanced path models using SmartPLS, useful in both research and industry decision-making. Learned to analyze how attitudes and subjective norms impact behavioral change. Developed skills in running models across groups (e.g., gender-based analysis) and interpreting results to provide actionable recommendations.
Acquired hands-on experience in building path models using SmartPLS for data-driven decision-making in research and industry. Developed skills in uploading datasets, designing structural models, and executing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Gained proficiency in interpreting model outputs to derive meaningful insights and recommendations.
2025 Finnish Cultural Foundation, Two-year Post Doctoral Project Grant.
2024 Åbo Akademi University, Travel Grant for Conference Participation at NFF2024 (1200€).
2022 Åbo Akademis Jubileumsfond, Grant for research visit at University of Borås (4 months, 27,600 SEK).
2022 Åbo Akademi University, Travel Grant for research visit at OSLOMET (1 months, 1200€).
2022 Karl-Erik Henriksson Foundation, Grant for scientific research at OSLOMET (850€).
2022 Finnish Cultural Foundation, One-year doctoral thesis grant (12 months, 26,000€).
2021 KAKS (Municipal Sector Development Foundation), One-year doctoral thesis grant (12 months, 20,000€).
2020 Otto A. Malm Foundation, Six-month doctoral thesis grant (6 months, 13,000€).
24/06/2024 Åbo Akademi University, Publication Bonuse (100€).
02/02/2024 Åbo Akademi University, Publication Bonuse (1000€).
31/10/2022 Åbo Akademi University, Publication Bonuse (267€).
30/06/2022 Åbo Akademi University, Publication Bonuse (800€).
17/06/2021 Åbo Akademi University, Publication Bonuse (634€).
Serving as an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE (PLOS) (Impact Factor: 3.7), I contribute to the peer review process by overseeing the evaluation of scholarly manuscripts, ensuring rigorous academic standards, and facilitating high-quality research dissemination. My role involves assessing submissions, coordinating peer reviews, and making editorial decisions to uphold the journal's commitment to open-access scientific publishing
As an Article Editor for SAGE Open (SAGE Publications) (Impact Factor: 2.032), I contribute to the peer review and editorial process by evaluating manuscripts, coordinating reviews, and ensuring the publication of high-quality, interdisciplinary research. My role supports the journal's commitment to open-access publishing and scholarly excellence
Since 2022, I have served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Public Health (Oxford University Press, Impact Factor: 5.058). In this role, I critically evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high scholarly standards in public health research.
As a peer reviewer for BMC Public Health (BioMed Central) (Impact Factor: 4.5), I critically assess research manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high academic and methodological standards in public health research.
As a peer reviewer for Scientific Reports (Nature) (Impact Factor: 3.8), I evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback, and ensure the publication of high-quality research across diverse scientific disciplines.
As a peer reviewer for Health Policy (Elsevier) (Impact Factor: 3.3), I critically evaluate research manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high academic standards in health policy and healthcare system research.
As a peer reviewer for Archives of Public Health (BioMed Central) (Impact Factor: 3.3), I evaluate research manuscripts, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to ensuring the publication of high-quality studies in public health. My role supports the journal’s mission of advancing evidence-based research and public health policy.
Since 2023, I have served as a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Public Health (Springer Nature) (Impact Factor: 2.6). In this capacity, I critically assess submitted manuscripts, offer constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to upholding the journal’s rigorous academic standards in public health research
Since 2021, I have served as a peer reviewer for Europen Management Review (Wiley, Impact Factor: 2.534). In this role, I critically evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high scholarly standards in management research.
Since 2022, I have served as a peer reviewer for Social Work in Public Health (Taylor & Francis) (Impact Factor: 2.313).
Since 2024, I have served as a peer reviewer for Public Health Nursing (Springer Nature) (Impact Factor: 2.1). In this role, I critically evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to upholding the journal’s high scholarly standards in public health and nursing research.
Since 2023, I have served as a peer reviewer for Information Systems Management (Taylor & Francis) (Impact Factor: 2.098). In this role, I critically evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high scholarly standards in information systems and management research.
Since 2023, I have served as a peer reviewer for International Migration (Wiley, Impact Factor: 1.946). In this role, I critically evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high scholarly standards in information systems and management research.
Since 2011, I have served as a peer reviewer for Applied Economics (Taylor & Francis) (Impact Factor: 1.835). In this role, I critically assess submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s rigorous academic standards in economic research and applied economic analysis.
Since 2023, I have served as a peer reviewer for Cogent Social Sciences (Taylor & Francis, Impact Factor: 1.5).
Since 2024, I have served as a peer reviewer for Information Research (published by the University of Borås, Sweden). In this role, I critically evaluate submitted manuscripts, provide constructive feedback to authors, and contribute to maintaining the journal’s high scholarly standards in information science and research.
In 2022, I served as an Associate Reviewer for InSITE 2022: Exploring Virtual Connections as Mechanisms for Teaching and Research, part of the Informing Science + IT Education Conferences organized by the Informing Science Institute. In this role, I evaluated submitted conference papers, provided constructive feedback to authors, and contributed to maintaining the academic rigor of the conference proceedings.
In 2018, I served as a Co-Editor for the WIS Conference: Well-Being in the Information Society – Fighting Inequalities, held in Turku, Finland, from May to August 2018. In this role, I contributed to the editorial process, ensuring the quality and coherence of the conference proceedings while facilitating scholarly discussions on well-being and information society challenges.
I was featured in the Migration Institute of Finland’s Newsletter (December 2023) as part of the 'New Institute Members' section, highlighting my academic contributions and research focus.
I was interviewed by Polemiikki magazine, a journal published by The Foundation for Municipal Development (KAKS), about my doctoral research project on immigrants’ health-seeking behavior. The interview was published as 'Tavoittaako terveydenhuolto kasvavan maahanmuuttajaväestön?' in Issue 1/2021.
I am honored to receive a postdoctoral research grant from the Finnish Cultural Foundation for the first year of my two-year project on AI-driven labor market integration of international students in Finland.
This research, to be conducted at the Migration Institute of Finland, will explore how artificial intelligence-based services can support international students in overcoming key employment barriers such as language challenges, lack of labor market knowledge, and discrimination. By leveraging AI-driven job-matching platforms, automated translation tools, and personalized career support, I aim to develop practical solutions that foster equitable employment opportunities and strengthen Finland’s labor market inclusivity.
A big thank you to the Finnish Cultural Foundation for supporting this important work! 🙌 I also want to express my gratitude to my colleagues at the Migration Institute of Finland for their invaluable comments, support, and feedback on my project.
I’m excited to collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and industry experts working at the intersection of AI, migration, and labor market policy. If you are interested in discussing potential partnerships, feel free to reach out!
I am delighted to receive a Reviewer Certificate from BMC Public Health in recognition of my contributions as a peer reviewer in 2024. This year, I had the privilege of reviewing four manuscripts, supporting the advancement of research in public health and ensuring the dissemination of high-quality scientific knowledge.
The Importance of Peer Review
As a peer reviewer, I strive to ensure scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and relevance in published research. The peer review process plays a crucial role in maintaining the credibility and reliability of academic publications, and I am honored to contribute to this mission.
About BMC Public Health
BMC Public Health is a high-impact, open-access, peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on the epidemiology of disease, public health interventions, and the social determinants of health. The journal provides critical insights into environmental, behavioral, and occupational health factors, as well as the impact of health policies and interventions on communities.
📊 Journal Impact Factor: 3.5
📊 5-Year Journal Impact Factor: 3.9
📊 SCImago Journal Rank (SJR): 1.253
📊 Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP): 1.386
#PeerReview #AcademicPublishing #BMCPublicHealth #PublicHealthResearch #OpenAccess #ScientificImpact #HealthPolicy #Epidemiology #ResearchIntegrity #ReviewerRecognition
Education isn’t just about absorbing facts—it’s about growth, transformation, and unlocking new ways of thinking. Recently, I had the opportunity to dive into the Human Being as a Learner course at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), and it turned out to be more than just an academic experience—it was a journey of self-discovery! 🚀📚 In this post, I’m sharing the key lessons that made an impact on me. #LifelongLearning #EducationMatters
One of the biggest takeaways from this course was the realization that learning isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process. Different learning theories helped me see how people acquire knowledge in unique ways. For example, the sociocultural perspective showed me that our environment and social interactions shape how we learn. Meanwhile, the humanistic approach reminded me how personal growth, motivation, and emotional well-being play a huge role in education.
The more I learned, the more I understood that education isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about creating engaging experiences that inspire curiosity. #KeepGrowing #StayCurious
We often think of learning as an intellectual activity, but this course helped me explore the human nature behind it. Different perspectives gave me new insights:
Understanding these perspectives gave me a deeper appreciation for how complex and diverse learning truly is. #EducationForAll #GrowthMindset
One of the highlights of this course was applying theory to real-world scenarios. The concept of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) stood out to me because it encourages critical thinking by tackling real-life problems. Instead of memorizing facts, students learn by doing—and that’s a game-changer! 💡
Another eye-opening aspect was the importance of university-industry collaboration. When education connects directly with real-world challenges, students graduate with skills that actually matter. Imagine a world where every classroom is linked to industry needs—how powerful would that be? #RealWorldSkills #EducationThatWorks
Let’s be real—teaching and learning aren’t always smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges is making education inclusive for all. A diverse student body means different learning styles, backgrounds, and experiences, so teaching needs to be flexible and adaptive.
Another challenge? Balancing structure and creativity. While structured lessons provide a solid foundation, creativity fuels innovation and deeper engagement. Encouraging students to explore, question, and innovate leads to more meaningful learning experiences. #InclusiveEducation #CreativeTeaching
This course didn’t just teach me about learning—it changed the way I think about education. Understanding human nature, embracing different learning theories, and applying practical strategies have all reshaped my perspective. Education is an ever-evolving field, and I’m excited to continue exploring it! 🌍✨
What are your thoughts on learning? Have you ever had an educational experience that changed your perspective? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️
#LearningForLife #TransformativeEducation #HAMKExperience
During my time in the Mobile Futures project, I encountered a range of challenges that come with conducting multidisciplinary research. It’s an exciting, yet demanding journey—bringing together different perspectives, merging methodologies, and making sense of complex data. But let’s be real—it’s not always smooth sailing. From struggling to align different theories to taming unruly datasets, here are some of the biggest challenges I faced and how to navigate them.
Multidisciplinary research is like juggling multiple puzzles at once—each with its own set of rules. This image perfectly illustrates how different disciplines like data science, sociology, psychology, and economics intersect, creating a complex yet fascinating research environment. The challenge is in integrating these diverse perspectives into a cohesive study! 💡✨
Data analysis starts with code, and anyone who has spent hours debugging knows how critical clean, well-structured scripts are. This snapshot from my work highlights the importance of proper setup—installing necessary packages and importing libraries. Having an efficient coding workflow can save hours of troubleshooting down the line. 🚀
Selecting the right data is crucial in research, but it's not always straightforward. This screenshot from the ESS survey highlights the challenge of handling missing values such as 'Refusal' and 'Don't know.' Properly addressing these responses ensures the reliability and accuracy of the final analysis. 🧐📉
How people engage with the internet is a fascinating variable in social research. These graphs illustrate patterns in internet usage across different rounds of the ESS survey. One of the challenges of working with behavioral data like this is accounting for external factors such as digital accessibility, cultural differences, and generational gaps. Interpreting such data requires careful contextualization to ensure meaningful insights. Internet usage patterns evolve over time, influenced by technological advancements and societal changes.
These graphs illustrate the frequency distribution of internet use across different ESS survey rounds, highlighting trends and shifts. Understanding such patterns is key to contextualizing digital behaviors in research. 📱💻
Survey-based research often comes with missing values, ambiguous responses, or inconsistent categorization. The image above highlights how responses like "Don't know" or "Refusal" can complicate statistical analyses. One effective way to handle this issue is through imputation methods or sensitivity analysis to check the impact of missing data on research outcomes. 🔍📜
Multidisciplinary research is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every dataset tells a story, every graph reveals a pattern, and every research hurdle teaches a lesson. By staying adaptable, embracing new tools, and fostering meaningful collaboration, we can push the boundaries of knowledge and make a real impact. 🌟
What’s been your biggest challenge in research? Drop a comment below! 👇
Learning isn’t just about absorbing facts—it’s about evolving, adapting, and unlocking new perspectives. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore these ideas in the Learning as a Phenomenon course at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), and it turned out to be more than just an academic experience. It made me reflect on how we actually learn, what motivates us, and how our emotions and environment shape the process.
One of the biggest realizations I had was that learning isn’t just about memorizing information—it’s a dynamic and personal process. We all absorb knowledge differently, and the way we engage with new ideas depends on our experiences, emotions, and surroundings.
I found myself drawn to different learning theories:
🔹 Constructivist Learning – The idea that learning happens when we actively build knowledge based on what we already know. It’s not just about taking in new facts, but connecting them to past experiences.
🔹 Cognitive Learning – This one looks at how our brain works like a processing system, shaping how we absorb, store, and recall knowledge. Attention, memory, and problem-solving play a huge role in how much we actually learn.
🔹 Experiential Learning – This was a big one for me. Learning by doing—through hands-on activities and real-world experiences—makes knowledge stick so much better. I realized that reflection is just as important as action when it comes to truly understanding something.
This course reinforced that learning isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Everyone learns in their own way, and that’s what makes education so fascinating.
We usually think of learning as something purely intellectual, but this course made me realize how much emotions and mindset shape the way we learn.
I started thinking about motivation—how some people are naturally curious and eager to learn, while others need external encouragement. The difference between intrinsic motivation (learning for personal growth) and extrinsic motivation (learning for rewards or recognition) became clearer to me. Passionate learners tend to dive deeper, explore more, and actually retain what they learn.
Then there’s failure. I used to see mistakes as frustrating, but I’ve come to realize that failure is actually one of the best teachers. When we take time to reflect on what went wrong, we learn how to improve, adapt, and try again.
Another concept that stuck with me was the growth mindset—the belief that intelligence and abilities aren’t fixed, but can develop over time. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks, and that’s a mindset I want to cultivate more in my own learning.
One of the most interesting discussions in this course was about how learning isn’t something we do in isolation—it’s shaped by the people around us.
🗣️ Social Learning Theory made me realize how much we learn simply by observing and interacting with others. Whether it’s through mentors, peers, or even online communities, the people we surround ourselves with influence our knowledge and perspective.
🏡 Sociocultural Learning Theory reinforced that where we come from—our cultural background, upbringing, and environment—affects how we learn. What we consider "normal" learning practices might be completely different in another society.
💡 Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was another concept that really resonated with me. Instead of passively receiving knowledge, PBL encourages learning by solving real-world problems. It builds critical thinking skills and makes learning feel more practical and relevant.
This made me appreciate the value of group discussions, teamwork, and sharing diverse perspectives. Learning is a collective experience, and the more we engage with others, the deeper our understanding becomes.
This course made me rethink the way I see learning. It’s not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about making connections, embracing challenges, and growing along the way.
A few takeaways that will stick with me:
🎯 Learning is personal. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s okay.
🎯 Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a stepping stone to improvement.
🎯 Learning happens best when it’s active, emotional, and social.
What’s one learning experience that changed the way you think? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️
As a doctoral candidate who recently graduated from Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Law, I have had the honour of becoming involved in teaching, especially in the field of information studies. I have had the privilege of creating and presenting some modules for the International Master's program in Governance of Digitalisation, namely "Information Behaviour I" and "Information Behaviour II".
I tought the "Application of Literacies" module for the "Information Behaviour I" course during the autumn term of 2022. I designed my section to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate our increasingly digital world by thoroughly examining information and digital literacy. Subsequently, during the spring terms of 2022, 2023, and 2024, I had the opportunity to lead a section of 'Information Behaviour II', concentrating on practical application within health information behaviour. These modules were deeply informed by my ongoing doctoral research and spotlighted significant subjects like health information seeking behaviour and the health belief model. These responsibilities are detailed in Table 1.
From 2011 to 2014, I worked as a lecturer and researcher at Islamic Azad University before moving to Finland to pursue my second master's degree and subsequent doctorate. This position provided me with invaluable experience in effectively teaching undergraduates intricate concepts in business administration, taxation, finance, and accounting.
My pedagogical approach was based on helping students improve their scientific knowledge and research skills through creative and engaging teaching methods, while also acknowledging their accomplishments. These experiences, combined with my ongoing commitment to professional development, have given me greater confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to scientific research and academic lecturing. Table 2 provides more information on the courses I taught at Azad University from 2011 to 2014, including semester/year, course code, level, type, credits, and teaching hours per semester.
My teaching philosophy prioritizes creating a safe and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and are encouraged to learn and grow. To achieve this, I use a variety of teaching techniques, including the use of technology and storytelling, to help students better understand complex concepts.
I believe in using concrete examples to explain abstract financial concepts, as this approach helps students connect theoretical concepts to real-life situations and provides them with practical knowledge. For instance, when teaching about present and future value, I relate it to a concrete example of a person saving for a vehicle purchase, which helps students better grasp the concept.
Academic Year | Course | Module Taught | Responsibilities | Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2024 | Information Behaviour II | Health Information Behaviour (Focus on Health Information Seeking Behaviour and the Health Belief Model) | Preparing and recording lectures, engaging students in group assignments, and learning diaries, grading activities | 1 hour’s teaching + 15 hours supervision |
Spring 2023 | Information Behaviour II | Health Information Behaviour (Focus on Health Information Seeking Behaviour and the Health Belief Model) | Preparing and recording lectures, engaging students in group assignments, and learning diaries, grading activities | 1 hour’s teaching + 15 hours supervision |
Autumn 2022 | Information Behaviour I | Application of Literacies (Focus on Information and Digital Literacy) | Preparing and recording lectures, engaging students in group assignments, and learning diaries, grading activities | 1 hour’s teaching + 15 hours supervision |
Spring 2022 | Information Behaviour II | Health Information Behaviour (Focus on Health Information Seeking Behaviour and the Health Belief Model) | Preparing and recording lectures, engaging students in group assignments, and learning diaries, grading activities | 1 hour’s teaching + 15 hours supervision |
Course | Semester/Year | Code | Level | Type | Credits | HPS[1] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Investing in Stock Exchange | Summer 2012-2013 | 718 | Bachelor | Core | 2 | 32 |
Finance 2 | Summer 2012-2013 | 1309 | Bachelor | Core | 3 | 48 |
Tax Accounting | 2nd 2012-2013 | 4092 | Associate | Core - Elective | 2 | 32 |
Tax Accounting | 2nd 2012-2013 | 4091 | Associate | Core - Elective | 2 | 32 |
Finance Class | 2nd 2010-2011 | 7356 | Bachelor | Core | 3 | 48 |
Tax Accounting | 1st 2013-2014 | 1603 | Associate | Core - Elective | 2 | 32 |
Finance 1 | 1st 2011-2012 | 4883 | Bachelor | Core | 3 | 48 |
Computer Application in Accounting - 2 | 1st 2011-2012 | 11511 | Bachelor | Core - Elective | 2 | 32 |
For more information about teaching hours and course credits at Islamic Azad University, refer to:
[1] HPS: Teaching hours per semester
1- The Principles of Digital Pedagogy in Instruction and Teaching (2 ECTS) - (complited) - University of Eastern Finland
2- Introduction to Educational Leadership (5ECTS) - (complited) - Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK)
1- Didactical design of courses in higher education (5ECTS) - (complited) - Åbo Akademi University
2- Teaching Practice 1 (5 ECTS) - (complited)- Åbo Akademi University
3- Digital learning in higher education (5 ECTS) - (complited)- Åbo Akademi University
4- Digital Didaktik in Higher Education (5 ECTS) - (complited)- Åbo Akademi University