Finland’s education system is considered one of the best in the
world. In international ratings, it’s always in the top ten. However,
the authorities there aren’t ready to rest on their laurels, and they’ve
decided to carry through a real revolution in their school system.
Finnish officials want to remove school subjects from the
curriculum. There will no longer be any classes in physics, math,
literature, history, or geography.
The head of the Department of Education in Helsinki, Marjo Kyllonen, explained the changes:
“There are schools that are teaching in the old-fashioned way which
was of benefit in the beginning of the 1900s — but the needs are not the
same, and we need something fit for the 21st century.“
Instead of individual subjects, students will study events and phenomena in an interdisciplinary format.
For example, the Second World War will be examined from the perspective
of history, geography, and math. And by taking the course ”Working
in a Cafe," students will absorb a whole body of knowledge about the
English language, economics, and communication skills.
This system will be introduced for senior students, beginning at the age of 16. The
general idea is that the students ought to choose for themselves which
topic or phenomenon they want to study, bearing in mind their ambitions
for the future and their capabilities. In this way, no student
will have to pass through an entire course on physics or chemistry while
all the time thinking to themselves “What do I need to know this for?”
The traditional format of teacher-pupil communication is also going
to change. Students will no longer sit behind school desks and wait
anxiously to be called upon to answer a question. Instead, they will
work together in small groups to discuss problems.
The Finnish education system encourages collective work, which is why
the changes will also affect teachers. The school reform will require
a great deal of cooperation between teachers of different subjects.
Around 70% of teachers in Helsinki have already undertaken preparatory
work in line with the new system for presenting information, and,
as a result, they’ll get a pay increase.
The changes are expected to be complete by 2020.
What do you think about all these ideas? I’d love to hear your opinion, so let us know in the comments.
Taken from Bright side
