Finnish Education

The Finnish educational model is renowned worldwide for its holistic, child-centered approach that prioritizes learning over testing and values equity, trust, and teacher autonomy. 

One of the most striking features of Finnish education is its focus on the learner. Classrooms are designed to be flexible and student-centered, where children actively participate in shaping their own learning journeys through self-assessment, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary activities. Formal schooling begins at age seven, allowing children to develop naturally through play and exploration in early childhood settings. This later start supports a more balanced and developmentally appropriate approach to learning, reducing the pressure to conform to early academic benchmarks.

Teachers play a pivotal role in the success of the system. They are given significant autonomy to design curriculum and choose teaching methods best suited to their students’ needs. This professional trust is a cornerstone of the system; rather than relying on standardized testing, educators assess progress through ongoing, qualitative evaluations, focusing on the individual growth and well-being of each student. Only one nationwide exam is administered at the end of upper secondary education, underscoring the belief that deep understanding matters more than the ability to take tests.

Moreover, the Finnish model promotes a balanced school day. Both students and teachers benefit from shorter instructional hours, ample breaks, and a reduced homework load. These measures ensure that learning remains engaging and stress-free, fostering a classroom environment where creativity and critical thinking can thrive. Teachers and students alike have the time to plan, reflect, and engage in activities that nurture both academic and personal development.

In essence, the Finnish educational model is defined by its simplicity and focus on what truly matters: creating a supportive, equitable, and engaging learning environment where every child can succeed. By trusting educators, emphasizing the well-being of the student, and keeping the curriculum manageable, Finland has set an inspiring example for educational systems around the world.

Sources:

Calagrossi Mike (2018), 10 reasons why Finland’s education system is the best in the world. Retrieved from World Economic Forum at https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/09/10-reasons-why-finlands-education-system-is-the-best-in-the-world. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Career Teachers (2018), What the UK education system can learn from Finland:

Finland has one of the most successful education systems on Earth but what makes it so successful? Retrieved from Career Teachers at https://www.careerteachers.co.uk/career-advice/blog/what-the-uk-education-system-can-learn-from-finland. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Council for Creative Education (n.d.), Introduction to Finland Education. Retrieved from CCE at https://www.ccefinland.org/finedu. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Crouch David (2015), Highly trained, respected and free: why Finland’s teachers are different. Retrieved from The Guardian at https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jun/17/highly-trained-respected-and-free-why-finlands-teachers-are-different. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

European Commission (2023), Political, social and economic background and trends. Retrieved from European Commission at https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-education-systems/finland/historical-development. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Finnish National Agency for Education (n.d.), National core curriculum for basic education. Retrieved from Finnish National Agency for Education at https://www.oph.fi/en/education-and-qualifications/national-core-curriculum-basic-education. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Hancock LynNell (2011), Why Are Finland’s Schools Successful? Retrieved from Smithsonian Magazine at https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/why-are-finlands-schools-successful-49859555/. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

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Students’ Academic Achievement. Retrieved from Digital Commons at https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1684&context=caps_thes_all. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Poon Yun Xuan (2020), How Finland designed its schools around well-being. Retrieved from GovInsider at https://govinsider.asia/intl-en/article/anna-korpi-how-finland-designed-its-schools-around-childrens-mental-health. Accessed on October 7, 2023.

Melinda Wenner Moyer, “Early Education is More Demanding Than Ever and Experts Have Concerns,” New York Times (April 17, 2020).

Mike Colagrossi, World Economic Forum, “10 Reasons Why Finland’s Education System is the Best in the World,” https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/09/10-reasons-why-finlands-education-system-is-the-best-in-the-world (Sept. 10, 2018)

William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, “Teach Kids When They’re Ready,” https://www.edutopia.org/article/teach-kids-when-theyre-ready (Feb 15, 2018)

Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle, Let the Children Play, Oxford University Press 2019.