What is the secret of one of the most successful educational systems and of a very well balanced life style and society?
In Finland, schools are small and there is a maximum of 20 children per class. The student-teacher relationship is very important and there is a need for reciprocal communication instead of a teacher-based one. In a normal class (75 minutes), teacher talking time should be of 40% and the other 60% should be dedicated to student intervention.
The way of assessment is also peculiar. Children and adolescents practically don’t have any tests until the end of High school. During the whole process it is up to the student to learn. Obtaining marks is not the main objective. The teacher´s role is to guide the children and adolescents towards the right answer, encourage them to learn on their own behalf and make sure they are the creators of new knowledge. To instruct, Finnish teachers don’t use transmitted concepts to be learned by heart. On the contrary, the inquiry is to solve problems through research and practice.
New technologies are indispensable. Teachers use them not only to instruct but also as a tool for students. They use programs as Moodle, an online learning environment, where you can upload and share projects, make comments and be evaluated by your teacher and classmates.
There is barely any homework. Learning is based on the representation of practical situations
. The government invests in resources for kids needing extra help. Transdisciplinary themes are used to connect different subjects.
. The government invests in resources for kids needing extra help. Transdisciplinary themes are used to connect different subjects.
High school students can choose between anacademic (theories) or vocational (learn a profession) track. 45% of the students choose the second one. However, the system is so flexible that you can always change track.
The system is equal and totally free (including materials and food).
Training teachers is really important. In order to study for teacher your marks must be high and it is obligatory to pass an enrollment exam. OBSERVATION is essential. You need to observe many classes before you can start teaching. Once you begin instructing, there is a master professor providing you feedback. You are also able to follow other classes and watch other teachers. It’s an act of transparency, reciprocal help.
Last but not least, Finland has no teacher inspection system. Finn people believe in their own system and everyone does its best. THE ENTIRE EDUCATION SYSTEM IS TRUST BASED.
Should we sit down looking at this as an utopian System or can we learn from it and do something useful instead?
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