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Why Finland's Education System Excels

The document summarizes key reasons for the success of Finland's educational system. It notes that Finland consistently scores at the top in international assessments. The main factors identified are: 1) universal preschool starting at age 7 with limited homework allows teachers to focus on in-school curriculum development; 2) teaching is a highly respected profession that requires a master's degree for only the most talented candidates; 3) small class sizes allow teachers to know each student and adjust to their needs; and 4) equitable funding and administration of schools as a public service has minimized socioeconomic differences in educational opportunities and outcomes.

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119Anindya Yuanita Abeliyani
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85 views2 pages

Why Finland's Education System Excels

The document summarizes key reasons for the success of Finland's educational system. It notes that Finland consistently scores at the top in international assessments. The main factors identified are: 1) universal preschool starting at age 7 with limited homework allows teachers to focus on in-school curriculum development; 2) teaching is a highly respected profession that requires a master's degree for only the most talented candidates; 3) small class sizes allow teachers to know each student and adjust to their needs; and 4) equitable funding and administration of schools as a public service has minimized socioeconomic differences in educational opportunities and outcomes.

Uploaded by

119Anindya Yuanita Abeliyani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name : Anindya Yuanita Abeliyani

NIM : 121410145

Why Finland Schools are so Successful?

For many years the school system in Finland has been very successful. In the PISA survey, which
compares reading, math and science knowledge of 15-year olds around the world, shows Finland
is not only the top European country but also competes with Asian giants like China, Singapore
and South Korea. But what makes the educational system in this small country so different from
others in the western world?

The main reason is the Finish government makes it possible for all children to attend preschool,
which comes after kindergarten. Compulsory education begins at 7. Teachers work with their
pupils in school as much as possible. They have little homework to do when they get home. When
teachers are not with the pupils, they spend a lot of time in schools working on the curriculum and
new projects. They teach in teams if it helps them reach their goals. That is why dropout rates are
low compared to other countries.

In contrast to other nations, teaching in Finland is a highly admired profession. Finland selects its
teachers very carefully. Only talented students go on to a university and receive a master’s degree
in education. Finland only takes the best to educate its youth.

Schools in Finland are small, at least for international standards. More than in any other country
teachers are ready to prepare children for life. In some cases, they know every pupil in their school
and can adjust to them. Teachers try everything to succeed with their pupils. Most of the pupils
get additional help in their elementary school years, either by the teachers themselves or through
specially trained educators. Moreover, Finland’s schools get their money from the government.
The people who are in charge of the education system, from teachers to administrators are trained
teachers, not politicians like in other countries.

All Finnish children, whether they come from the city or a rural town, whether from a rich or poor
family have the same opportunities in education. Education experts claim that there is very little
difference between very good and the worst students. Two thirds of Finnish pupils who finish
compulsory education move on to higher education, the highest rate in the European Union.

Until the 1960s Finland’s school system had been influenced largely by its neighbor, the Soviet
Union. Most students left school after six years; some went on to private school. Only the wealthy
ones got a better education. In the middle of the 1960s the Finish government saw the need to
change and modernize their education system if they wanted to be internationally competitive.
Lawmakers made a simple decision: a single school for all the 7 to 16-year olds. They also put a
focus on language learning. Students learn Swedish as their second and English as their third
language.

A part of Finland’s success is also due to the fact that its society is homogenous. There are not so
many differences between the wealthy and poor, as in America or other western European
countries. This is reflected in the classroom too. Teachers always try to show pupils how to behave
socially and care for others. They teach them that taking responsibility is very important for their
future careers.

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