Finnish School System
17th February, 2016
With her experience and inspirations while in France, Adelle reflects on the Finnish school system and what education is in one of the leading countries of the world
While in France I have frequented the cinemas to watch
various movies or documentaries. Some in English, some in French and one in
particular, a mix of both. The film “demain”, translated means, tomorrow. It is
a film that explains problems with the way the world works and offers
alternatives and solutions to the rapidly increasing global climate and society
issues. This documentary was quite inspiring and if you have the time and can
find English subtitles, I would definitely recommend it. Part of the film,
covers education and its importance in the world. The team focus’ on the
schooling system in Finland and their turn around from a reputation not to be
admired, to one that is used as a superior
example.
One quote in particular from the schools director, “we spend
our time teaching not assessing” has stuck in my mind. Is it true that we
assess our students all too often? We are expected to assess and have evidence
of any questions that can be asked by colleagues, parents, auditors and the
like.
Finnish schools have just one major exam when they are
sixteen. They are not constantly tested to compare across classes, schools and
other countries. The country as a whole takes the reality of parents being the
first teachers of a child seriously. Children do not start school until they
are seven, they are not given homework until well into their teens, they are
not measured for the first 6 years of their schooling. This is an acceptance
that children learn, grow and develop at different rates and allows them the time
and comfort to progress at a pace that encourages their learning and not
comparison with others. All children are taught in the same classrooms
regardless of intelligence levels and the results of the students reflect the
skills and professionalism of their teachers. They have the smallest difference
between weaker and stronger students in the world and their teachers are
selected from a superior range of educators who have obtained masters degrees
of a high level. Their master degree is fully subsidized. As a community and a
country they expect a lot from their educators, so as an incentive, the country
subsidizes the degree to produce teachers that will advance future students.
Teachers in Finnish schools are well respected, they eat
lunch in cafeterias among and while socialising with the students. They only
spend four hours a day in the classroom, all of which is real teaching time and
two hours a week, per week is dedicated to professional development.
Yet another different school system.
The below link will take you to the website for the film “demain”.
The entire film is incredibly inspiring and has given me some really insightful
thoughts about what should be taught in the classroom and areas where education
should really be a focus outside of the curriculum.
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