Triinu Palo

I have studied Estonian language and literature and Finnish language and iterature at the University of Tartu, and I have a Master’s degree in Baltic Finnic languages. In 1998-1999 and 2000 I studied Finnish at the University of Oulu. Most of my life I have been teaching and studying. During the years of my studies, my childhood interest deepened into a love for the Finnish language, Finns and Finland, and I have tried to pass this on to my students. I have taught Finnish and Estonian in both upper secondary schools and vocational schools, to both adults and young people. 

Those who learn a language, especially Estonian, with dedication and great enthusiasm always warm my heart. In their case, I am reminded of Nelson Mandela’s saying that if you speak to a person in a language they understand, you speak to their mind. But if you speak to a person in their mother tongue, you speak to their heart.

As an adult educator, I: 

• identify the needs and expectations of the study group, prepare the training content, and select appropriate methods based on the intended learning outcomes and previous feedback; 

• provide learners with feedback; support the learners, notice and recognise changes in the learners’ development, and respond to situations in the learning process in a supportive manner; 

• continuously gather feedback from the learners about the learning process; analyse the learning process, and assess the learners’ learning outcomes;  

• analyse and evaluate my own activities in the learning process; recognise my strengths and development needs; reflect on and analyse my professional role and behaviour; seek solutions when problems arise; 

• use relevant information and communication technology (ICT) tools (e.g., interactive smartboards, online platforms such as Zoom and/or Teams, ML information system, cloud services such as Google Drive and/or OneDrive, e-learning platforms, etc.) in the preparation, delivery, and evaluation of the teaching and learning process, as well as for supporting my own professional development; am able to create, use, and share web-based learning materials. 

I compile my own study materials when needed, based on specific needs or the study group.