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Schooling in Finland begins at the age of 7 years of age.

For comparison, an
average Indian kid enters school at the age of 3 to 6. Finnish Schools typically have
shorter days and minimal homework to promote more time for extra-curricular and
self-directed learning.
Individual teachers decide how the curriculum will be taught and much Technology
should feature in the classrooms.
The profession of teaching is highly sought after. Teachers are given just as much
respect in the society as lawyers or doctors. The teachers must undergo rigorous
training and hold a master’s degree in education or related field. This would mean
that if you want to be a teacher it can't be your second or third option. You will have
to give this your all. This professionalization of teachers is considered crucial to the
success of the education system.
Standardized testing is also limited and the emphasis is on continuous assessment
by teachers. The assessment is done by monitoring and evaluating students
throughout the academic year through the means such as class assignments,
projects, presentations, and individualized discussions.
The curriculum taught is also different. The focus is on deep understanding and
mastery of what is learnt instead of memorizing a vast amount of material for
exams. Also, great importance is given to critical thinking, problem solving and
creativity rather than mere memorization of facts and information. This leads to a
less content heavy curriculum, as compared to many other systems that prioritize
standardized testing and rote memorization.
The students have long lunch breaks, in which after having food and cleaning up
after themselves, the students can play many outdoor or indoor games and even
video games.
Moreover, education is completely free of cost for every student. The schools are
allowed to raise private fund or charge education fees from parents. The schools are
connected as a single system, under which they are given equal resources to provide
education by the government. The school lunch, books, excursions are all free of
cost. Moreover, because of the schools being a single system there is no
competition which allows them to focus more on students' development.

Polgar's Experiment
Polgar's experiment is a renowned case study in the realm of child development and
education. Laszlo Polgar, a Hungarian psychologist and educator, and his wife
Klara, believed that geniuses are made, not born. They set out to prove their theory
by nurturing the intellectual abilities of their three daughters, Susan, Sofia, and
Judit, from a very early age. The parents decided to focus on chess, a highly
intellectual game, as the primary means to stimulate their daughters' mental growth.
This needs to be noted that there was no hereditary disposition or talent in the girls
as Polgar only barely knew the basics of chess and his wife didn’t know it at all.
The Polgar sisters received an intensive home-based education, with chess as the
central pillar. They were homeschooled and subjected to an immersive chess-
focused curriculum. The experiment was a resounding success, as all three sisters
achieved remarkable success in the world of chess. Susan became the first woman
to earn the title of Grandmaster, while Sofia and Judit also achieved significant
recognition in the chess world. The Polgar's experiment demonstrated the profound
impact of early and focused education on intellectual development.

Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian engineer, innovator, and education reformer known


for his pioneering work in transforming the education system in the Ladakh region
of India. His education reforms aim to empower students with practical skills, foster
a strong connection with the environment, and promote creative thinking.
Wangchuk founded the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh
(SECMOL) to promote alternative and sustainable education practices. His reforms
prioritize experiential learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Students
actively engage with their surroundings and local challenges through hands-on
projects and practical experiences. He invites students who have struggled or failed
in the formal education system, providing them with a supportive environment
where they can thrive and rediscover their passion for learning. By giving these
students a second chance, Wangchuk aims to break the barriers of conventional
education and enable every individual to reach their full potential.
One of Wangchuk's most notable initiatives is the creation of "Ice Stupas." These
artificial glaciers are formed by freezing water during winter and provide a
sustainable water source during the dry months. He involves students in building
Ice Stupas, imparting practical skills and instilling a sense of responsibility towards
the environment.
Wangchuk's education system emphasizes creativity and innovation, producing
socially responsible and environmentally conscious individuals. His efforts have
gained global recognition and continue to inspire educational reforms beyond the
borders of Ladakh.

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