Dynamics of Finnish Education
Finnish education is one of the best education systems in the world. It constantly ranks in the top in many international surveys by various institutions. But what is the reason for its success?
Firstly, Finnish education is effective because of the teachers and their method of teaching. Every teacher needs a Master’s degree to be qualified for a teaching position. Teachers use creative methods to make the students understand concepts from early years. These methods are possible due to some flexibility in the syllabus taught to the students. This is also useful from the students perspective as it also gives options between subjects that they like.
Continuous assessment is the method adopted by Finnish education system. Students are taught A level of international testing method. Sample tests and exams are often conducted throughout the year which tracks the progress of the student throughout the year, unlike many other educational systems which mainly have exams twice a year. Students also have to go through PISA (Programmed for International Students Assessment) which measures 15-year-olds’ ability to use their reading, mathematics and science knowledge and skills to meet real-life challenges.
Even the communication between teachers and parents of the student is quite often. Generally, Parents-Teaching meetings are conducted every fall, autumn and spring to make sure the parents know about their child’s progress. Parents and teachers coordinate in order to help the students in the personal as well as school life. The cost of education in Finland is very low, spreading the education to every economic class and helping the country’s overall status.
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If the Finnish education system is so perfect, should other countries copy the same system? Will it guarantee progress?
The answer is no and no. Every country is unique, has different cultures and problems. Instead of copying the system, it can be modified into a system which is more suitable and useful to the country. The base can be taken from the Finnish education, sure. The reason behind every method should be thoroughly studied and should be improvised accordingly.
In recent years, the education industry and systems are very much affected due to Covid-19 pandemic. The online method has affected the students mental health and thus studies. Some students get facilities and immense support from their families, while some students lack this support. This has created a gap between the qualities of education they receive. This lack of motivation for some students is a huge concern.
For people aspiring to be a teacher in Finland, it is compulsory to have a Master’s degree from Finland where they teach about things like the teaching autonomy (freedom of teaching methods) in Finland. For four continuous years in a row, from 2018 to 2021, Finland has been ranked the ‘happiest country in the world’. Education is an important contributor to it. Education leads to increased quality of life and thus happiness and comfort.
Check out our latest podcast done on Exploring the Dynamics of Finnish Education.
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