Introduction to the Finnish Education Model

Description

Have you ever wondered why Finland always rates high on PISA’s performance and well-being results? Finland’s education system has become well-known around the world, yet many still don’t understand why and how it can be used in their own classroom.

In this course, participants can explore the renowned Finnish schooling system and how they can use its techniques to enhance their teaching practices.

The course focuses on the core principles that shape Finnish education through three themes: values, well-being, and pedagogies.  

Finnish education is based on values such as equality, trust, and the joy of learning.

First of all, participants will learn how these values influence school structures, teaching methods, and the roles of teachers and students using real-life examples and practical activities.

They will get a better understanding of the core aspects of Finnish schools and how they are shaped by the society around them.  

Secondly, participants will explore the Finnish way of well-being.

In Finnish schools, it’s believed that well-being comes first. They’ll learn how Finland integrates well-being into education through a holistic approach that prioritizes both students and teachers.

Through the course, participants will discover strategies for promoting mental and emotional well-being, maintaining a healthy school-life balance, and creating a supportive and stress-free learning environment. 

Third, participants will gain information about the Finnish way of learning.

One of the key pedagogies in Finland is student-centered learning, where the focus is on active participation, autonomy, and ownership of learning. This course introduces you to the core elements of a student-centered approach and practical tools for implementing it.  

By the end of the course, participants will have gained theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical methods to help them bring the best aspects of Finnish education into their own classrooms! 

Concept by Mirjami Junnikkala

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:

• Gain an understanding of the Finnish education model; 
• Understand the core values of Finnish education; 
• Learn methods that will adapt your teaching to a more student-centered approach; 
• Learn strategies to support student and teacher well-being; 
• Reflect on how Finnish educational principles can be adapted.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course and setting goals

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Getting ready for the week; 
• Introduction to the Finnish education system.  

Day 2 – Everyday school life in Finland

• How do we run schools?;  
• Core values in Finnish education; 
• Reflective discussion on core values and daily practices in school.

Day 3 – Wellbeing comes first in Finnish schools

• How are students supported in Finnish schools?; 
• A cornerstone of Finnish schools: a positive, strength-based education;  
• How do learning environments support well-being and learning. 

Day 4 – Finnish pedagogy in a nutshell

• Overview of the Finnish national core curriculum: how we learn and what we learn?;  
• The Finnish way of assessment; 
• Flexibility and personalization in student-centered learning.

Day 5 – Planning for the future

• Current trends and challenges in Finnish Education; 
• Learning Cafe: What have we learned from the Finnish Education Model?; 
• Make plans for the future; bring the inspirations into practice; 
• Share the plans and feedback with each other.

Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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