Lessons From Finland

Finland has become an international model for public education over the past ten years.  Once an average educational system, it now consistently ranks in the top three on the international charts.  The Finnish transformation has not included standardized tests, competition for private and charter schools, or longer school days.  One of the their secrets to success cites Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson spoke and wrote about “equality of educational opportunity.”

Pasi Sahlberg, Finland’s renowned educator and author of Finnish Lessons, spoke at a lecture recently at the University of Hawaii.  In January, he will be visiting Harvard’s Graduate School of Education to share the way in which the Finnish system operates.  The Finnish model shows that as when we focus on equality, excellence follows. 

In Finland, children do not receive grades until fifth grade.  “Too much unhealthy competition,” Sahlberg states.  Collaboration is the primary focus.  The same collaboration that 21^st century skills, Whole Child education, and Social Emotional Learning emphasize. 

Sahlberg says, “Children should be learning because they want to learn and understand.”  We need to re-emphasize our ability to inspire learning.  In the past ten years with the oppression of standardized tests, we have lost the ability to have a balanced curriculum.  Many schools have deleted or reduced arts, music, and in some elementary schools, recess. 

The United States once led the world in creativity and innovation.  Standardization of tests and curriculum continues to produce low academic performance and a negative impact on creativity, innovation, and general health. 

A sampling of the Finnish research is as follows:

• Daycare is available to all.
• Schools provide comprehensive health services and nutritional lunches.
• Education is free from pre-school to University.
• Teaching is a highly respected profession.  It is an intense, competitive career track.  All teachers earn Master’s Degrees.
• Schools and teachers have autonomy.

Our issues and concerns are not educational.  We do not need to “fix” education.  Our issues are poverty, inequality, addictions, mental health concerns, violence, and political oppression.  Where there is poverty and inequality, there will always be pain.  Our answers are Whole Child education, Social Emotional Learning, and 21^st Century Skills – Human teaching for human learning.