AI supporting the learning of non-native students
As the number of non-native students in vocational education increases, we need new ways to support their language skills and learning.
We are actively developing new pedagogical solutions that leverage AI to enhance vocational education. In collaboration with other educational institutions, we create solutions that help teachers and workplace instructors better support students’ language development.
AI in practical learning situations
Our focus is on developing pedagogical models and methods where AI plays a central role. We design and evaluate pilot methods that adapt professional terminology and materials to different levels of language proficiency. Additionally, we develop solutions that support students’ independent learning and strengthen workplace instructors’ competence in language-aware guidance.
Integrating language awareness into everyday teaching
Currently, language skills are often seen as a separate component, with the responsibility for teaching them falling solely on language teachers. We aim to change this perspective so that vocational teachers and workplace instructors naturally integrate language-aware teaching and AI-supported learning into their work.
Together with our partners, we are developing a practical guide, Pedagogical Models and Methods, which presents concrete exercises and models for using AI to support students’ language learning. The guide is designed to be practical and adaptable as AI technology continues to evolve.
We also assess language proficiency requirements in different industries to ensure that students’ language skills align with workplace needs. A key focus is strengthening language competence related to occupational safety, which has been identified as a critical area where AI-based solutions can provide support.
Our goal is to make AI a natural part of teaching and guidance. By strengthening staff competence and motivation in AI adoption, we enhance the quality of education and improve students’ employment opportunities.
About the project
- Name: KAI – Language-Aware AI Competence in Vocational Education for Non-Native Speakers
- Duration: 1.1.2025 – 31.12.2026
- Funding: European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre)
- Implementing organizations: Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Koulutuskeskus Salpaus (main implementer), Koulutuskuntayhtymä Tavastia, AEL-Amiedu Oy, City of Tampere
- HAMK’s role: Pedagogical expertise, development and assessment of methods, as well as dissemination of results
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