The Finland Phenomenon - a high-trust model

'It took 25 years'.

 

I've just finished watching this fairly comprehensive film on the Finnish Education system.  Whilst from a distinctly American perspective, there are many innovations to reflect on as a New Zealander.

Here are what I think are some of the highlights of both the system AND the film.  Please, watch for yourself and add your own!

• All food at school is free – this is one indicator of how wrap-around systems and social services are imperative for functional learning.
• All teachers have Masters qualifications and rigorous in-class experiences and observations (as well as time to reflect both collaboratively and individually).  Teaching is a highly-sought career.
• Less is more – the curriculum sounds very similar to New Zealand's, with a national curriculum that allows for a school curriculum without tension.  Importantly, there are longer class times, and fewer classes in the day.  Class sizes are smaller than in New Zealand - 20 or fewer.  Homework is viewed differently (especially compared to the American system). 
• Motivation is high in students, possibly because there are many choices and the arts are well-integrated.
• There are comprehesive vocational education system choices. This means students are not valued more for choosing academic pathways - 55% do this, whilst 45% choose to learn in a more practical environment.
• The whole education system works as a high-trust model – teachers as treated as the professionals they are. Otherwise 'what is the point in having them so highly trained?'
• And, finally, some concluding words from one of the Finnish educators interviewed:

‘Concentrate, read, dream, talk, understand, reason; find solutions yourself.’  Innovate!