Discover the essence of Finnish pedagogy and how to implement its successful methods in your educational institution. Learn about holistic approaches, learner-centered thinking, continuous assessment, and effective communication strategies.
In recent years, the Finnish education system has garnered global acclaim for its remarkable success. From its holistic approach to well-being to its emphasis on continuous assessment and individualized learning paths, Finnish pedagogy offers valuable insights for educators worldwide. Let's delve into the core principles and practical steps of Finnish teaching methods and explore how they can revolutionize your school system.
Finnish Teacher Training and Teaching Profession in Finland
Finnish teacher training is renowned for its high standards and comprehensive approach, starting with a competitive selection process that admits only 10-15% of applicants based on academic performance, teaching aptitude, and interpersonal skills. All teachers are required to hold a master’s degree, with a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge and practical training, including extensive classroom practicum under the guidance of experienced mentors. The programs emphasize research-based education, preparing teachers to critically evaluate and continuously improve their practices.
Teachers in Finland enjoy significant professional autonomy, allowing them to design and implement curricula tailored to their students’ needs. Continuous professional development is encouraged through further studies and collaborative projects. The training also focuses on equity and inclusion, preparing teachers to address diverse learning needs and promote inclusive classrooms. Reflective practice is a cornerstone of Finnish teacher training, with educators trained to conduct action research and engage in self-reflection to enhance their teaching effectiveness. This holistic and rigorous training system contributes to the overall high quality of education in Finland.
Holistic View and Focus on Wellbeing
In Finland, education goes beyond academics; it prioritizes the holistic development and well-being of students. Regular self-assessments on mood, motivation, and other factors enable teachers to tailor their approach to each student's needs. By incorporating elements like healthy diet, sleep patterns and exercise into the curriculum, Finnish schools foster a positive atmosphere conducive to learning.
Finnish students benefit from a relaxed daily schedule with regular 15-30-minute breaks between lessons, which facilitate active informal learning. These shorter lesson sessions, interspersed with breaks, lead to better focus and improved learning outcomes.
Finnish children start school at the relatively late age of 7, compared to most other countries. Before this, pre-school provides them with essential learning, social, and study skills through play, preparing them for more academically focused schooling. The early years curriculum in Finland explicitly guides teaching and learning objectives. With tools like Qridi, educators can adhere to the principles of Finnish early years teaching methods and assessment practices.
How Much Homework Do Finnish Students Get?
One aspect of holistic thinking in education is ensuring student well-being by not overwhelming them with excessive homework. The Finnish education system is somewhat famous for the small amount of homework given to children. A common misconception is that there is no homework at all. Homework is given but it is done with the overall well-being of the student in mind.
Finnish students receive less homework compared to their peers in many other countries, typically spending about 30 minutes to an hour per day on assignments. The Finnish educational philosophy emphasizes quality over quantity, with homework designed to reinforce classroom learning meaningfully rather than through repetitive tasks. This approach encourages student autonomy and responsibility, fostering independence and critical thinking.
In contrast, students in countries like the United States often spend 1 to 2 hours per day on homework, while those in East Asian countries like China, South Korea, and Japan may spend several hours daily due to a more rigorous educational environment. European countries vary, with students in Germany and France having more homework than Finnish students but less than those in East Asia. The Finnish emphasis on holistic development and balancing academic achievement with social, emotional, and physical well-being supports the idea that less homework contributes to a more well-rounded and less stressed student population.
Qridi’s Task Lists is a popular tool with homework among Finnish primary school teachers. The opportunity for students to easily stay on track with their assignments, reflect on how they feel about the tasks and evidence their learnig, aligns extremely well with the idea of student-centered thinking in Finnish schools.
Learner-Centered Thinking
Empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey lies at the heart of Finnish pedagogy. By allowing students to chart their own path, set goals, and document their progress, educators cultivate intrinsic motivation and academic excellence. Phenomena-based units encourage active inquiry and personalized learning experiences, empowering students to become lifelong learners.
Appreciation of Artistic and Practical Subjects
In Finland, artistic and practical subjects are esteemed as highly as traditional academic disciplines. Recognizing the importance of creative thinking and problem-solving skills, the Finnish curriculum emphasizes transversal competences. Subjects like art and design offer invaluable opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Qridi is a popular tool among Finnish artistic and practical subject teachers. When creating art or crafting a product by hand, it can be difficult to document and assess the process. The Journal feature allows students and teachers to document the stages of work as images or videos and practice self-assessment and teacher commenting, all in one easy-to-use digital platform.
Continuous Assessment with Varied Methods
Unlike traditional exams, Finnish schools prioritize continuous assessment through diverse methods. Formative assessment allows educators to track individual progress and adapt teaching strategies accordingly. By focusing on improvement rather than comparison, Finnish pedagogy fosters a growth mindset and positive self-esteem among students.
Self-regulation and metacognitive competence are the end goals towards which students are guided throughout their school journey in Finland. This is not something that is expected from the get-go, but rather something that is taught step-by-step, just like you learn maths or languages. Practicing self, peer, and group assessment, as well as reflecting on one’s learning regularly, builds the necessary steps towards becoming a self-regulated learner.
Individual Learning Paths and Differentiation
Tailoring education to the unique needs of each student is central to Finnish teaching methods. Through effective differentiation and personalized feedback, educators ensure that every student receives the support they require to thrive. Practical tools facilitate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of individualized learning paths, promoting academic success for all.
Future skills are the cornerstone of the Finnish basic education curriculum
In Finnish basic education, transversal competences are a core component designed to prepare students for the complexities of modern life. These competences encompass a range of skills and abilities that cut across traditional subject boundaries, including critical thinking, creativity, cultural competence, interaction, self-expression, participation, and sustainable development. By integrating these competences into all areas of the curriculum, Finnish education aims to foster holistic development, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate and succeed in a rapidly changing world. This approach encourages students to apply their knowledge in diverse contexts, promoting lifelong learning and adaptability. Through project-based learning, interdisciplinary activities, and collaborative tasks, students develop these essential skills, ensuring they are well-rounded, responsible, and capable individuals.
Qridi enables teaching and assessment of transversal competences. The idea has also been adopted in other curriculum frameworks such as International Baccaleaurette, European Schools and Nord Anglia Education's British International School Abu Dhabi.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Effective communication between teachers, students, and parents is essential for student success. Finnish schools prioritize seamless communication and transparency, ensuring that parents are actively engaged in their child's education. Utilizing secure communication platforms, educators facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders.
What are the Opportunities to Learn About Finnish Teaching Methods from Outside of Finland and put them in practice?
There are various companies in Finland offering training, school concepts, and opportunities to visit Finnish schools. Furthermore, the Finnish curriculum can be purchased from the Finnish education ministry. The big question is how can the principles of the Finnish education system be sustained once training and onboarding are completed?
Qridi is a learning management system (LMS) that is built around the most important aspects of the Finnish education system:
- Formative assessment
- Teaching and assessing future skills and transversal competences
- Allowing students to participate in evidencing and assessing their own learning through goal setting, self-assessment, and digital portfolios
- Digital tools for following individual learning paths
Conclusion
Finnish teaching methods offer a blueprint for creating an inclusive, learner-centric educational environment. By embracing holistic approaches, continuous assessment, and effective communication strategies, educators can unleash the full potential of every student. Implementing Finnish pedagogy requires dedication and adaptability, but the rewards are profound: empowered learners equipped with the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Further Reading
Finnish Education Ministry's Information Page on Primary and lower secondary education