Social Pedagogy in Social Services Environments (5 ECTS)

Learning outcomes

The student
• is familiar with the theoretical foundations and basic concepts of social pedagogy
• is aware of the characteristics of a social pedagogical approach
• is familiar with the working environments and orientations of social services professionals
• is familiar with the role and significance of a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS) in different working environments and networks
• is familiar of the value base of social pedagogical work and the ethical principles of the social welfare professions
• understands the importance of critical thinking
• is familiar with the concept of reflection and understands its significance in the work of a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS)
• is proficient in professional terminology in social services as well as expressions used in social pedagogical work iin English and Finnish.

Content

• Social pedagogy as a field of science and practice
• Key concepts and principles of social pedagogy
• Working environments of a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS)
• Work orientations in the field of social services
• Social pedagogical values and professional ethics in social services
• Critical thinking, reflection and significance in the work of a Bachelor of Social Services (UAS)
• General Finnish vocabulary and key concepts used in social pedagogical work

Teaching methods

Online Lectures, Group Work, Reading reflections

Location and time

CHANGES ARE POSSIBLE

21.08.2025 12.45 - 16.00 (Online Orientation, COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE)
29.08.2025 12.45 - 16.00
12.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45
15.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45 (INDP WK)
19.09.2025 12.30 - 14.00 (Finnish Support)
22.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45
23.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45 (INDP WK)
26.09.2025 12.30 - 14.00 (Finnish Support)
29.09.2025 09.00 - 11.45 (INDP WK)
29.09.2025 12.45 - 16.00
01.10.2025 12.45 - 16.00 MPA6008 (Project Learning Task Supervision and Support)
10.10.2025 12.30 - 14.00 (Finnish Support)

Learning materials and recommended literature

-Jan Storø (2013). Practical Social Pedagogy: Theories, values and tools for working with children and young people
-Articles as assigned

Content scheduling

Tentative Schedule: TIMES MAY CHANGE

Further information for students

The course is targeted primarily to student group SXG25S1.
- If the student has prior learning concerning the course an eRPL application must be done before enrolling to the course to the responsible teacher. If you have any further questions concerning eRPL please contact the AHOT responsible teacher for the course.
- If the student has a special support arrangements decision which affects the course, the student needs to contact the teacher in charge right after the enrollment period.
- At the beginning of the course, the teacher will explain the policies for AI use. Use of AI in assignments where it is specifically prohibited constitutes academic misconduct. Similarly, insufficient referencing of AI use is also considered misconduct. Metropolia's AI guidelines can be found on the Student Desktop." https://opiskelija.oma.metropolia.fi/group/pakki/opiskelijan-opas/ohjeet-ja-saannot
- The course includes online teaching. The student must be prepared to use a camera and microphone when requested.

The course includes Sosiaalialan suomi (Finnish for Social Services) meetings, which Finnish language learners attend as part of this course. The whole schedule for Finnish language meetings for Social Services will be announced in August. The meetings will start in August and end in December. They will be held regularly throughout the first and second periods.

Assessment methods and criteria

Course Assignments and Readings
- Student will read all assigned book chapters and articles for class discussion and reflect on them.
- No late papers will be accepted.
- There will be an individual exam at the end of the course where the student needs to analyse a project based on two social pedagogical concepts.
This is a combination work with the Communication and IT Skills course in an effort to reduce the student’s workload so the final written exam is for both courses.
Attendance and Participation
- Students are expected to attend lectures and participate actively in discussion groups.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Framework of assessment is attached in the curriculum's description.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Framework of assessment is attached in the curriculum's description.