The paper examines how diversity is constructed and considered in the Finnish National Core Curri... more The paper examines how diversity is constructed and considered in the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (Finnish National Agency for Education, 2018) by employing critical multicultural theory with a focus on essentialist and non-essentialist views of diversity. The text is examined through critical discourse analysis using concepts such as culture, identity, diversity and equity and equality. The results mainly point to the use of non-essentialist discourse within the Core Curriculum; however, the ambiguity of some expressions nevertheless allows for a more essentialist interpretation. An effort has clearly been made to recognize children's diversity, and strong emphasis has been placed on the Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014), which states that members of the community should be encountered and treated as equals, independently of personal characteristics. Despite this commendable aim, however, the complexities related to the language of diversity are not recognized. Consequently, the pedagogy that recognizes diversity is left for the individual teacher to interpret and implement.
The high prevalence of overweight and obesity has been identified as major threat to future publi... more The high prevalence of overweight and obesity has been identified as major threat to future public health. Excess body weight not only impairs individual quality of life but is also associated with considerable costs. The fact that obesity rates have been rising throughout the world despite considerable efforts suggests that alternative strategies for addressing this problem are warranted. One such strategy may be a stronger emphasis on the development of motor competence. This narrative review provides an overview of the major theoretical models describing the longitudinal associations of motor competence, physical activity and body weight along with empirical evidence supporting the potential contribution of motor competence in obesity prevention. It also gives some practical guidance for the implementation of interventions emphasizing the development of motor competence. Despite the fact that childhood and adolescence appear to be of particular importance for ensuring a high motor competence, it should be considered that even adults could benefit from increased motor competence. Well-developed motor competence is associated with higher motivation for participation in various forms of physical activity, and, therefore, facilitates an active lifestyle throughout adulthood. Taken together, it appears that emphasizing the development of motor competence at young ages provides a viable option for the sustainable promotion of physical activity, which is a crucial component in long-term weight management.
The paper examines how diversity is constructed and considered in the Finnish National Core Curri... more The paper examines how diversity is constructed and considered in the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (Finnish National Agency for Education, 2018) by employing critical multicultural theory with a focus on essentialist and non-essentialist views of diversity. The text is examined through critical discourse analysis using concepts such as culture, identity, diversity and equity and equality. The results mainly point to the use of non-essentialist discourse within the Core Curriculum; however, the ambiguity of some expressions nevertheless allows for a more essentialist interpretation. An effort has clearly been made to recognize children's diversity, and strong emphasis has been placed on the Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014), which states that members of the community should be encountered and treated as equals, independently of personal characteristics. Despite this commendable aim, however, the complexities related to the language of diversity are not recognized. Consequently, the pedagogy that recognizes diversity is left for the individual teacher to interpret and implement.
The high prevalence of overweight and obesity has been identified as major threat to future publi... more The high prevalence of overweight and obesity has been identified as major threat to future public health. Excess body weight not only impairs individual quality of life but is also associated with considerable costs. The fact that obesity rates have been rising throughout the world despite considerable efforts suggests that alternative strategies for addressing this problem are warranted. One such strategy may be a stronger emphasis on the development of motor competence. This narrative review provides an overview of the major theoretical models describing the longitudinal associations of motor competence, physical activity and body weight along with empirical evidence supporting the potential contribution of motor competence in obesity prevention. It also gives some practical guidance for the implementation of interventions emphasizing the development of motor competence. Despite the fact that childhood and adolescence appear to be of particular importance for ensuring a high motor competence, it should be considered that even adults could benefit from increased motor competence. Well-developed motor competence is associated with higher motivation for participation in various forms of physical activity, and, therefore, facilitates an active lifestyle throughout adulthood. Taken together, it appears that emphasizing the development of motor competence at young ages provides a viable option for the sustainable promotion of physical activity, which is a crucial component in long-term weight management.
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Papers by Heini Paavola