Surprisingly, while Finland’s schools don’t have tests, inspections, uniforms or fees, they are known and ranked as the top best schools in the world. While other schools deal with their students with standardized tests, stress, and competition, Finland had done the opposite, such as, having collaborations, showing warmth and getting teachers who encourage rather than let down, and with this new tactic, Finland has been receiving very surprising results.
Aside from the results of the students who graduate and most students having one of the highest test scores in the world, the school also affects the teachers, in a good way. Let’s compare US and UK to Finland:
The United States and the United Kingdom:
- Crowded rooms
- 85% of students are reading below grade level
- Pricey for students
- British students face bills as high as £9,000!
- Teachers are undervalued
- Teachers are burned out
- Teachers Overwork
- Teachers are underpaid
- Teachers sometimes need 2 jobs
And, research has shown that 50% of their teachers have quit their jobs after 5 years.
Finland:
- Free tuition
- Free meals
- Free transport
- Free books
- No uniforms, no extra payment
- Teachers customize their curriculum
- Teachers can work one on one with the student
- Teachers get their own office
- Teachers are highly respected, students thrive
Also, research has shown that 90% of the teachers working in Finland have stayed in their area of work their whole career. Also, according to Independent, they mentioned that “in Finland, the profession commands a great deal of respect, with applicants needing a master’s degree to teach, in line with doctors and lawyers. “. Apparently, everyone interested in the field of teaching others wants to work in Finland. Who wouldn’t? The teachers are brilliant and the school’s are 100% state funded.
Aside from the fact the teachers are very well respected and that few applicants are accepted which this builds more confidence and give a boost of motivation for the teachers who were given the opportunity, I wanted to go over the ages and the grades in Finland. So, the age when a kid starts is at 7. Maybe, you re-read the last sentence back there because I made no mistake I really meant 7. You might think that they would be delayed, but even I was proven wrong to think about it. The reason for this is that at age seven, they are at a certain stage where they get to understand, and, are more developed and ready to jump in and learn. It is scientifically proven. Nine years of compulsory (which means by law) school is then followed after the first year. Once the student has reached the age of 16, they are then given 3 choices and, according to Filling My Map, the three choices are:
Upper Secondary School: This three-year program prepares students for the Matriculation Test that determines their acceptance into University. Students usually pick which upper secondary school they would like to attend based on the school’s specialties and apply to get into that institution. I think of this as a mixture of High School and College. (In recent years a little less than 40% choose this option.)
Vocational Education: This is a three-year program that trains students for various careers, as well as gives them the option to take the Matriculation test to apply for university. However, the students in this track, are usually content with their skill and either enter the workforce or they go on to a Polytechnical College to get further training. (A little less than 60% choose this track.)
Enter the workforce. (Less than 5% choose this path)
Which path would you choose? I think entering the workforce is pretty wicked, but, I’m going with Vocational Education. I was really interested in joining the Vocational Education, especially with all its pros. One more thing, Less === More. Here is an extended version which supports the idea of Less = More by Filling My Map:
1. Less Formal Schooling = More Options
2. Less Time in School = More Rest
3. Fewer Instruction Hours = More Planning Time
4. Fewer Teachers = More Consistency and Care
5. Fewer Accepted Applicants= More Confidence in Teachers
6. Fewer Classes= More Breaks
7. Less Testing = More Learning
8. Fewer Topics = More Depth
9. Less Homework = More Participation
10. Fewer Students = More Individual Attention
11. Less Structure = More Trust
Okay! Well, that’s the end of it! Comment down below on which choice you would pick if you were in Finland. And, if you think their ways of teaching is awesome please comment as well!!! Bye!
Yours truly,
L.O.A.S.H
Life of a Secret Homeschooler | A.K.A | L.O.A.S.H 