معرفی
Mervi Lahtomaa is a Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Education, University of Turku, Finland, actively contributing to research and teaching in educational sciences. Her institutional affiliation encompasses both research and pedagogical responsibilities within the university's educational framework.
Her teaching portfolio includes:
- Social Class and Education (2021-2022)
- Introduction to Learning, Instruction and Student Assessment (Open University Studies, 2022)
- Educational Policies (group teaching, 2022-2024)
- Adults in Changing Education and Working Life (Open University Studies, 2023-2024)
Lahtomaa's research centers on the complex relationships between education, economy, and society. She investigates open university pathways within marketizing higher education systems and analyzes assessment conceptions among special needs educators. Her work critically examines how labor market transformations impact educational access and equity, particularly for adult learners navigating alternative pathways to higher education.
Analysis of her publications from 2019-2024 reveals consistent thematic focus on educational equity in open and adult higher education, special education assessment practices, and policy implications for inclusive education systems. Her research demonstrates methodological diversity through qualitative analyses of student experiences, teacher perspectives, and pathway models within the Finnish educational context.
Lahtomaa has secured research funding from the Finnish Cultural Foundation (Varsinais-Suomi Regional fund) for 2021 and contributed to Ministry of Education and Culture-funded projects OPA (Teacher Assessment Competence) and TRY (Alternative Path to University). She also coordinated the NERA2020 Conference, demonstrating active engagement in Nordic educational research networks.
