I can learn math too! - Basic math skills for adults
At Læring i nord 2025, two passionate educators from Finland, Hanne Mäkinen and Laura Siniranta, will invite participants to look at math learning from a fresh, human perspective. Their session, “I can learn math too!”, will adress both the emotional and practical side of adult numeracy: why so many adults struggle with basic math, and how positive learning experiences can help rebuild both skills and confidence.
Hanne Mäkinen and Laura Siniranta work at Aurala Adult Education Centre in Turku, one of Finland’s long-standing hubs for liberal adult education. Aurala, part of an 85-year-old association in the nearly 800-year-old city of Turku, offers a wide variety of courses and projects for learners of all ages. While some courses are fee-based, Aurala also provides free instruction through projects that promote inclusion, lifelong learning, and personal growth.(You can read more about Finland’s Adult Education Centres at Kansalaisopistot.fi » What are Adult Education Centres?)
In their work, Hanne and Laura have met countless adults who quietly admit: “I’ve never been good at math.” But what does that really mean? Who are these adults, and what lies behind their struggles? When do they recognize the need to strengthen their skills, and how can educators create an environment that helps them succeed—perhaps for the first time?
For Hanne Mäkinen, a teacher and study and career counsellor, the key lies in recognizing broad-based competence—seeing learners as skilled individuals whose life experience holds real value. Her best moments come when a participant suddenly realizes they can do what once seemed impossible.
Laura Siniranta, a Finnish language teacher with academic studies in special education and psychology, has over 20 years of experience in adult education. She’s deeply fascinated by the emotional dimensions of learning and the moment when understanding clicks—when a student’s eyes light up with the spark of discovery. For Laura, this joy of learning is what keeps teaching meaningful.
Their collaboration began through a shared project that brought to light a common passion: supporting adult learner identity. Together, they’ve explored how self-belief and motivation shape learning far more than we often realize.
In Finland, a new opportunity to recognize adult learning was introduced in 2024: National Skills Badges (KAPOS-badges). These digital badges formally acknowledge essential skills, including basic numeracy. For adults who may have struggled with traditional education, this system opens new doors—offering both validation and motivation to continue learning.
At Læring i nord 2025, Hanne and Laura will share stories, research, and practical insights from their work with adult learners.
Join Hanne Mäkinen and Laura Siniranta from Aurala Adult Education Centre, Turku, Finland, at Læring i nord 2025 - Basic Skill in the Nordic Countries: New data, next steps
