The document discusses factors that contribute to the success of Finland's education system based on its consistently high performance on the PISA exams. It notes that Finland focuses on equal opportunities and access to education rather than excellence, with a national curriculum and no private schools. Teachers receive extensive training and are respected professionals. The culture emphasizes shared values like consensus and tolerance.
3. PISA Studies
International study by the OECD started in 1997
Evaluates education systems worldwide every three years
Assesses 15-year-olds' competencies in reading, mathematics
and science
The latest results are from 2009
DFAT 2012 Finland
6. Culture
Protestant work ethic: doing your duty
Trust and respect among teachers and students
Casual atmosphere at school
Homogeneous population
Shared values – especially consensus
Tolerance for difference
Language and cultural minority rights
Common sense valued
DFAT 2012 Finland
7.
8. Students
Development monitored throughout childhood
Individual support provided early on
Formal schooling starts at the age of seven
Students stay with the same teacher for several years
Assessment encouraging
Non-academic subjects, frequent breaks and healthy
lunch make schooldays more enjoyable
Education valued
DFAT 2012 Finland
9.
10. Teachers
Teaching profession is highly popular
The entrance exam includes an aptitude test and
interviews (10% accepted)
Tenured teachers are required to hold a Master’s degree
Teachers are respected professionals
Teachers strongly committed to their work
Teacher autonomy combined with collaboration
Teaching students rather than content
DFAT 2012 Finland
12. Teacher training
University teacher training schools
Experienced and committed teacher trainers
Connection between theory and practice
Strong emphasis on research
DFAT 2012 Finland
13.
14. Equality
Emphasis on equal educational opportunities – not
excellence
Basic education completely free of any fees
Centralized education system: national curriculum
includes the objectives and core contents of different
subjects as well as the principles of pupil assessment
No private schools
In case of student selection, applicants must be subject
to equal selection criteria
No standardized tests in compulsory education
DFAT 2012 Finland
15. No school league tables
Competitiveness not emphasized
No advanced placement programs
Special education considered important
Quality materials for everyone
The idea of ”positive discrimination” – a level
playing field for everybody
No dead-ends in the education system
DFAT 2012 Finland
