black board, white chalk

For a number of years, I would find myself running to the Finnish example for education. Besides starting school at age 7, having minimal homework till middle school, and having recess for over an hour a day, Finland has something I didn’t know about till now. Respect for its teachers. So much so that they are considered within the same league as doctors and lawyers. That’s pretty awesome considering how much time and energy teachers devote to students.

In addition to all of the above, there is no streaming and they also do not encourage standardized testing. All Finnish students take only one test when they are 16 years old.

When we consider education reform, consider this amazing model that has Finland coming in first in education internationally. What’s the best part? Finland’s taken outdated and irrelevant educational practices and turned them on their heads. Perhaps it’s time for our 180.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can change education on this side of the Atlantic.

~ by Omaira on November 28, 2012.

Posted in Early Childhood Education, Education Reform, Educational Policy
Tags: aims, children, citizenry, connections, education policy, education reform, effective teaching, motivation, pedagogy, play-based learning, professionalism, respect, standardized testing, student needs, teach to the test, teacher training, visions