What The Finnish Educational System Is Like, In 14 Keys
Traditionally, the educational systems of northeastern European countries have been considered some of the best in the world. Specifically, The Finnish educational system is, among the nations of Europe, the one that stands out from the rest for being the one that obtains the best results in evaluative reports such as the Pisa Report, according to its progression.
Below, we describe the main characteristics that distinguish the educational system of this country. Each of these qualities have contributed to the resounding success of its education system and have placed it as a reference point for many other government apparatuses.
The Finnish educational system is made up, as in most countries, of a series of school stages that are made up of preschool education, a basic education that would be equivalent to our primary and secondary education; higher education, characterized by offering more technical training and tertiary education that is developed at the university.
If we only take this structuring into account we can see that it does not differ much from the rest of the educational systems, including the Spanish one. However, his way of perceiving both the right to education and his conception of students and teachers are the main drivers of his success.
For Finnish society, education is the basis and the future of the country’s development ; Therefore, a good education will ensure good professional futures. This conception allows all children to access quality public education in which there are no tuition fees of any kind and in which transportation and food are completely subsidized.
One of the main objectives of the Finnish education system is to provide equal opportunities for all children to receive an outstanding public education In this way, the learning process is emphasized more than taking specific exams or tests.
The way in which the Nordic country conceives education, and ensures that there are equal rights and conditions for all children, is achieved through public funding of a comprehensive educational system that Commits to excellence in both students and teachers
The 14 keys to the Finnish education system
The main keys that distinguish the Finnish educational system are described below, which can also help us reflect on our traditional conception of education and on the rest of current educational systems.
1. Free and accessible education
Although this first point seems similar to our educational system, there are big differences. In finland, Education received between the ages of 7 and 16 is compulsory and free with the difference that this must be taught by necessity in public centers.
In addition, both school supplies such as books and food are fully financed by the state, as well as transportation in the event that the child lives more than 5 kilometers from the school.
2. Equitable distribution of the education budget
This means that the funds destined to finance the educational system are distributed equitably between study centers.
It is necessary to specify that an equitable distribution is different from an equal distribution in which all centers receive the same. In the case of the Finnish system, there is a subsidy base for all centers but the amount finally allocated to each one may vary according to their needs, in this way we seek to equate all schools to offer equal conditions.
3. Rigorous selection of professionals
In addition to the requirement of the skills of an education professional, aspiring teachers must complete a three-year internship period. Likewise, those who opt for a specialization in a specific subject or subject must have a master’s degree in it and carry out studies in pedagogy.
Once they have obtained the knowledge and skills expected of them, They must participate in a series of very rigorous selection processes in which, in addition to these competencies, the concept that they have of education and what the educational system should be will also be taken into account.
4. Maximum respect for the teaching staff
Due to the rigor in their training and selection, teachers are professionals who enjoy great prestige and authority both in the school environment and in society in general, which is why They are highly respected by all its members.
5. Constant training
Teachers are considered the main piece of education, so their training is vital. For this reason, The teaching staff must carry out continuous and complementary training throughout their professional career, which helps them recycle knowledge and adapt to new educational trends.
6. Adequate student ratio
Unlike our country, the Finnish educational system does not allow a ratio of more than 20 students per classroom, although sometimes it can reach 25. Furthermore, The figure of the educational assistant is extremely important already offers support to the main teacher regardless of the number of students in class.
7. Preparation of classes during the work day
Another of the main differences is that each teacher does not teach that many hours of class allocating the remaining hours of the day to organizing the subject, as well as to researching and working with other educators.
8. Independence to organize the school curriculum
Although the school curriculum has a common framework and a series of pre-established global lines; Each of the educational centers, together with the teaching staff, are responsible for designing and organizing this curriculum, with the aim of achieving the established results in the way they deem best.
9. Freedom of choice for students
Motivation and autonomy of students are encouraged , offering progressive freedom of choice in terms of some study subjects from primary education. In this way, we also seek to enhance their sense of responsibility.
10. Education adapted to the needs of the student
The Finnish education system is characterized by effective detection of students with special educational needs , which begins in the first years of non-compulsory education. Next, support and monitoring of these students is carried out and these difficulties are prevented from increasing.
In addition, standardized tests are avoided and the learning pace of each student is taken into consideration. Finally, the same teacher is in charge of the same group of students from ages 7 to 12, guaranteeing perfect adaptation and great knowledge of them.
11. Importance of leisure and free time
In addition to education, special importance is paid to moments of rest and leisure. Compulsory education does not begin until age 7, the school day is much shorter than is usual in other countries, and depending on the educational stages, only between 3 and 4 classes a day are taught.
In addition, there are breaks between classes and a longer lunch break. Finally, children do practically all the work in class, thus avoiding homework at home.
12. Curiosity is rewarded, not competition
Within the classes, the ability to create, experiment and collaboration between students is valued, so curiosity is an essential value. Because of this, There are hardly any exams and there are no qualifications until the age of 11 The teachers’ evaluations are purely descriptive.
13. Prevention of bullying
One of the most important keys of the Finnish education system is the emphasis on the development of bullying prevention programs. Among them, the KiVa Method stands out. The success of this method lies in not focusing only on the aggressor and the victim, but rather seeking to influence the rest of the classmates so that they do not participate in any way in these bullying dynamics. As a consequence, the harasser will end up putting an end to his behavior when he sees that he is not supported by anyone. Besides, socio-emotional skills are also worked on and the values ​​of the students.
14. Role of parents in learning
The involvement of parents in the development and education of their children is an indisputable concept throughout the country, which is why education is complemented from home with other cultural activities. To facilitate this task, The state offers aid and facilitates the reconciliation of work and family life with the aim that parents can invest more time in their children.
