Paper short abstract:

In my paper I will share my experiences of applying exploratory learning as a method of teaching maritime history. The paper is based on my work at the Maritime History Studies at the University of Helsinki. I will reflect on how exploratory learning can rise to the challenge of multidisciplinary teaching.

Paper long abstract:

In my paper I will share my experiences of applying exploratory learning as a method of teaching maritime history. The paper is based on my work as a teacher at the multidisciplinary Maritime History Studies at the University of Helsinki.

I will discuss the pros and cons of exploratory learning as a method in teaching a group of students whose previous studies can vary quite a lot.

Maritime History Studies at the University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary minor, with the strongest emphasis on maritime archaeology, maritime ethnology and maritime history. In practice, the multidisciplinary characteristics aren't always easy to conduct. In my paper, I will reflect on how exploratory learning can rise to this challenge.

In addition to the concept of exploratory learning, constructive alignment of teaching is an important aspect in my presentation. How can these pedagogical concepts help teachers dealing with historical-ethnological approaches to the past?