Psychology Teaching in Estonia

Psychology is a compulsory course in Grades 10 and 11 of Estonian secondary schools, and also in vocational schools. The course consists of 35 hours. The main topics in the syllabus are: psychology as a science and profession; biological basis of psychology; psychological development; perception; learning, remembering and thinking; motivation and emotions; personality and individuality and abnormal psychology.

Teachers of psychology are either psychology graduates who do not necessarily have a qualification in teaching - most of these are school psychologists - or teachers of various other subjects who are also asked to teach psychology. Estonian students are very motivated to study psychology, in spite of the fact that there are no final examinations in the subject.

Helve Saat