Finland’s educational and intellectual reforms have revolutionized their education system completely. Today, Finland is the leader of holistic teaching and common-sense practices that strives for fairness over excellence. Here are 8 reasons why Finland has the best education system.
1. NO STANDARDIZED TESTING
Standardized testing is a teacher’s way to determine the level of understanding and competence of a subject. However, what usually happens is that students learn how to cram just to past the tests and teachers teach for the only purpose of students passing the test. It seems that nobody cares about learning. That’s why in Finland students are graded on an individualized basis, and the overall progress is tracked by the Ministry of Education.
2. COOPERATION INSTEAD OF COMPETITION
While most education systems around the globe see learning as competition, Finns see it as cooperation. They go by the saying “real winners don’t compete.” In Finland, there is no list of top school or teachers. Cooperation is the norm there and competition is forbidden.
3. STARTING SCHOOL AT AN OLDER AGE
Students in Finland start school when they are 7 years old. They have the policy to let kids be kids. Also, only 9 years of school are compulsory. When they finish the 9th grade, school is optional. From a psychological point of view, this is very freeing and it prepares children for experiencing the real world without feeling like they are stuck in prison.
4. PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL OPTIONS PAST A TRADITIONAL COLLEGE DEGREE
Many students don’t need a college degree in order to find their purpose in life. Finland offers students two options that are equally prosperous – college degree at a University and trade school or working class are equally fulfilling and professional for a career.
5. FINNS WAKE UP LATER FOR LESS ACTIVE SCHOOLDAYS
Finns figured that starting classes at 6 am is not beneficial for them because there is no point in lecturing sleepy children. That’s why classes in Finland start from 9:00 am to 9:45 am and end by 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Students in Finland have longer classes and much longer breaks between classes. The whole system is not about cramming and ramming information to them, but creating an environment for holistic learning.
6. CONSISTENT INSTRUCTION FROM THE SAME TEACHERS
Finnish schools have fewer teachers. Therefore, students in Finland have the same teacher for up to 6 years. During this time, the teacher can get closer to the students and become their mentor and even feel like a close family member to them. This system is excellent because there are a mutual trust and a strong bond between the teacher and the students which helps the learning process.
7. LESS HOMEWORK AND OUTSIDE WORK REQUIRED
Students in Finland get everything done in school, so when they come home their mind is free and they don’t have to stress over doing homework. At home, they can only focus on learning and their personal growth.
8. A MORE RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
Finns have a trend of less stress and more caring. Therefore, students in Finland have only a couple of classes per day. They also have more breaks to eat, do some recreational activities, and relax.
What do you think about their education system? Is it really better than America’s?
