Competence-based education refers to the integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes and interactivity as the intended outcomes of learning. It makes use of lifelong learning and lifelike tasks in realistic settings and requires the cooperation of teachers. This research was prompted by the desire to explain why collegial cooperation often seems to be problematic in schools and universities. Are there certain social structures or behavioural patterns that influence the cooperative culture in teacher communities? The research material was collected in 2013 and 2014 in Oulu, Finland. The target groups were both newly qualified and experienced vocational teachers at all educational levels (N=30). The data collection methods were open questions in interviews and questionnaires. The research approach and analysis methods were qualitative. The theoretical background is in humanistic-cognitive and experiential learning as well as in dynamic epistemic conceptions. The findings show that the prevailing model in teacher communities is individualistic, disciplinedivided and course-based, especially among older teachers. The obstacles refer to teachers’ self-image and a deeply rooted fear of criticism or revelation of incompetence. The promoters of cooperation were connected to the changing practices and desire of sharing with colleagues.

The competence-based approach has entered Finnish education after the recent reform of vocational education. Although there is plenty of research nationally and internationally about the idea of competence-based education, the student perspective has remained in the shadow. This research focused on vocational special education teacher students' experiences of the competence-based education. They started at the Oulu University of Applied Sciences in 2014 in the new competence-based teacher training program. This was a narrative research focusing on the students' (N = 20) descriptions of their study processes. The data consisted of their written narratives as well as personal interviews at the beginning and end of the study process. Students' experiences of the different phases of education and perceived benefits and challenges of competence-based education are introduced as results. While the competence-based education seemed to serve well adult students participating in it, there are many definitions and practices that have to be studied and defined better. Suggestions for future development to enhance both vocational teacher training and competence-based education in general are discussed based on the findings.