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What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland?

Dwight Blair

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Published in Finnish Lessons 3 0: What Can The World Learn From Educational Change In Finland?

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Finland's educational system has consistently ranked among the best in the world. What lessons can other countries learn from the Finnish model?

In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA),Finnish students ranked first in reading, second in mathematics, and fourth in science. This is not the first time Finland has performed well on PISA. In fact, Finnish students have been consistently ranking among the top performers since the test was first administered in 2000.

Finnish Lessons 3.0: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland?

by Pasi Sahlberg

4.5 out of 5

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So, what is the secret to Finland's educational success? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a number of factors that have contributed to Finland's success.

1. A focus on equity

One of the most important factors in Finland's educational success is its focus on equity. The Finnish government believes that all students, regardless of their background, should have access to a high-quality education. This commitment to equity is reflected in a number of policies, including:

Free tuition for all students
Universal access to early childhood education
Small class sizes
A focus on individualized instruction

2. A strong emphasis on teacher training

Another important factor in Finland's educational success is its strong emphasis on teacher training. Finnish teachers are required to have a master's degree in education, and they must complete a rigorous training program before they can become certified to teach.

The Finnish teacher training program is designed to prepare teachers to meet the needs of all students. Teachers learn about different learning styles, how to create inclusive classrooms, and how to assess student learning in a fair and equitable way.

3. A decentralized education system

The Finnish education system is also decentralized, which means that schools have a great deal of autonomy. This allows schools to tailor their programs to meet the needs of their students.

Decentralization also allows schools to innovate and experiment with new teaching methods. This has led to a number of innovative educational programs in Finland, such as the phenomenon-based learning model.

4. A culture of trust and respect

Finally, Finland has a strong culture of trust and respect. This is reflected in the relationships between teachers and students, between students and their peers, and between parents and schools.

In Finnish schools, teachers are trusted to make decisions about how to teach their students. Students are respected for their individuality and their right to learn at their own pace. Parents are involved in their children's education, but they are also respectful of the role of teachers.

What can the world learn from Finland?

There are many lessons that other countries can learn from Finland's educational system. Here are a few:

Focus on equity. All students, regardless of their background, should have access to a high-quality education.
Invest in teacher training. Teachers are the key to student success. They need to be well-trained and supported.
Decentralize the education system. Schools should have the autonomy to meet the needs of their students.
Create a culture of trust and respect. This will create a positive learning environment for all.

The Finnish educational system is not perfect, but it is a model for success. By learning from the Finnish example, other countries can improve their own educational systems and provide all students with the opportunity to succeed.

Finland's educational system has consistently ranked among the best in the world. There are many factors that have contributed to Finland's success, including a focus on equity, a strong emphasis on teacher training, a decentralized education system, and a culture of trust and respect. Other countries can learn from the Finnish example to improve their own educational systems and provide all students with the opportunity to succeed.

Finnish Lessons 3.0: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland?

by Pasi Sahlberg

4.5 out of 5