Finland's Education System

After reading the article “What Makes Finnish Kids So Smart?,” I was impressed by the country’s love of reading, which seemed like a critical piece in their educational success. The country’s enthusiasm for reading is expressed in the government's gift to parents of a newborn that includes a book for the baby. Furthermore, reading is also encouraged by the fact that movies and tv shows must be watched with Finnish subtitles and so those who watch tv must read constantly.

I was intrigued by the setup of the education system in Finland. Children do not begin school until the age of seven. The school referred to in the article “has no sports teams, marching bands or prom.” I am uncertain of how this impacts students’ achievement. In part, it makes sense that by not having these activities as a part of the school experience students may be more likely to focus on their academic tasks. However, I believe that these activities provide areas of success for students. Such opportunities may create an area of success for those who struggle in some academic areas. These extracurricular may provide confidence to those students who excel at them, while not having the same level success in their school subjects.

I admire the laid back atmosphere of the school described in the article. Where teachers and students interact on a first-name basis. And “about the only classroom rules are no cell phones, no iPods and no hats.” I think often times classrooms can become too discipline oriented in which the objective of the classroom becomes sidetracked to producing well-behaved obedient children rather than curious, self-motivated learners. I think a less strict environment is better suited for the inspiration of creativity and enthusiasm for learning.

I was also impressed by the fact that these leading schools use chalkboards instead of whiteboards and overhead projectors rather than PowerPoint presentations in their instruction. I think our countries technological push may be taking away from the heart of education. Content is being lost in an effort to have teachers use new technology, which they must learn to use and may spend less time planning the information they will teach in their lessons and more time learning how to use the latest technological advances. After all, the information is the same no matter how it is presented. Maybe more time should be spent doing hands on learning in the classroom rather than presenting the information to students. I think there is a lot to be learned from Finland's example.

To read the article and learn more about Finland’s education system go to:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120425355065601997.html