UNIQUE ASPECTS OF EDUCATION IN FINLAND

October 2, 2024

Annotation. Finland’s education system, which is rated frequently among the best in the world, is examined in this article along with its distinctive features. It draws attention: to equity and access, teacher empowerment, holistic learning, and minimal testing. The article provides insightful information for individuals looking to enhance educational programs and establish equal learning environments.

Keywords. The success of Finland can attributed to its student-centered strategy, which prioritizes fairness, teacher empowerment, and all-encompassing education.

One of the best educational systems in the world regarded to Finland. The Finnish model places a strong emphasis on fairness, excellence, and a comprehensive approach to education. Compared to many other countries, school days in Finland are noticeably shorter.

The Finnish educational system prioritizes quality over quantity, as opposed to following long hours of instruction. Shorter school days are justified by the realization that it critical to preserve a balanced schedule between academic endeavors and extracurricular activities that round out a student’s education. Finland offers its students the opportunity to undertake extracurricular activities, develop personal interests, and unwind. This deliberate emphasis on leading a balanced lifestyle recognizes that education goes beyond the classroom and includes the growth of interpersonal abilities, creative expression, and individual passions. The Finnish educational system consists of the following main components:

– The educational philosophy of equity and access holds that all students, particularly those pursuing higher education, should have free tuition. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, giving all kids equal chances is the main goal.

– Child-Centered Learning: Unique needs and learning preferences prioritized by the system. Teachers want students to be motivated and curious, not just memorize information. Finnish schools provide a broad curriculum emphasizing life skills, art, music, sports, and science in addition to the usual topics of math, science, and languages.

– Less Standardized Testing: Formative evaluation prioritized over highly competitive standardized testing. A variety of techniques, such as projects, presentations, and instructor observations, used to evaluate students. Framework for National Curriculum: Although there is a national framework that schools must adhere to, how each school and teacher implements this framework varies greatly.

Finland’s youngsters have shorter school days and fewer homework assignments. The Finnish educational system is aware that giving students an excessive amount of homework can cause stress, exhaustion, and a decrease in their desire to learn. Rather, the focus lies on relevant and useful projects that allow students to apply their knowledge independently while also reinforcing critical concepts.

Finnish pupils’ behavior impacted by reduced homework assignments and short school days. The approach to education is less constrained by excessive academic demands and more inquisitive and enthusiastic. The development of originality, critical thinking, and a sincere love of learning made possible by this freedom. Students who receive an education that is holistically oriented are better equipped to meet the opportunities and challenges of life after school as well as to succeed academically. Owing to the shortened school days, the afternoon club, or “iltapäiväkerho,” is essential to the educational system. These after-school programs offered by schools in order to give younger pupils access to a structured atmosphere in the afternoon. Apart from the possibilities offered by schools, there are other providers such as the church offers iltapäiväkerho services. These programs combine instruction with leisure activities, all in an effort to create a welcoming and stimulating environment. This approach guarantees that families have a variety of options in addition to accommodating parents who work in the afternoon. Kids gain from having fun and feeling comfortable at a place where they can hang out with friends until their parents come to get them.

The teaching profession in Finland is highly recognized, and teachers are required to hold a master’s degree at the very least. Teachers at this level of education are guaranteed to be adequately equipped to motivate and engage their students.

  • Ongoing Professional Development: Throughout their careers, educators urged to pursue continuing professional development.
  • Comprehensive Schooling: Finnish education is delivered through a comprehensive school system that serves students from 7 to 16 years old. The system emphasizes integration over ability-based segregation.
  • Less Formality: The atmosphere in schools meant to be carefree and informal. Prioritizing recess means that pupils usually have extended breaks throughout the day.
  • Well-Being Emphasis: Schools place a high value on the mental and physical health of their pupils, implementing programs that foster social and physical development.
  • Parental Involvement: Schools encourage parental involvement in their children’s education and keep lines of communication open with families, frequently include them in decision-making processes.
  • Use of Technology: Finnish educational institutions employ digital tools to improve student experiences and foster a sense of student ownership over their education.
  • Finland offers a variety of adult education programs that support lifelong learning, enabling people to further their education and career development for the duration of their lives.
  • Respect for Teachers: Schools are encouraged to have a collaborative atmosphere since teachers are trusted and seen as experts. Emphasis on Creative Thinking: The goal of education is to equip students for a world that is changing quickly by encouraging critical thinking and innovation.

This distinctive feature of the Finnish educational system makes for supportive, welcoming, and productive learning atmosphere. Finland has created a paradigm that not only yields excellent academic accomplishment but also equips pupils for life beyond the classroom by placing a strong priority on the well-being of students, the professionalism of teachers, and the value of lifelong learning. The outcome of meticulous planning and a strong dedication to equity and excellence in education is the Finnish educational system.

Finland seeks to provide its pupils with the tools necessary to succeed in life outside the classroom, in addition to academic skills, by placing a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, teacher autonomy, and student well-being.

Finland has established a model that continues to motivate educators across the globe by emphasizing holistic development, cultivating strong teacher-student relationships, and upholding a commitment to fair opportunity.

Shahrizoda Xasanova
4th Year Student, International Journalism Faculty
Uzbekistan State World Languages University, UZSWLU

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