What Makes Finland’s Education System Best in the World.
Finland, known for its innovative educational reforms, has implemented simple yet groundbreaking changes that have revolutionized its education system.
Over the years, Finland has consistently ranked as the world’s top education system in various evaluations, including the Global Competitiveness Report by the World Economic Forum. Its success is attributed to a blend of common-sense practices and an equitable, holistic teaching environment.
Here are 10 reasons why Finland’s education system outshines others globally.
1. No Standardized Testing
Standardized testing often leads students to prioritize cramming over actual learning, and teachers to focus solely on test preparation. Finland avoids this issue by eliminating standardized tests, except for the voluntary National Matriculation Exam for upper-secondary students.
Instead, teachers evaluate students individually, using their own grading systems. The Ministry of Education monitors overall progress by sampling various schools.
2. Teacher Responsibility Over Accountability
While other systems often blame teachers for educational shortcomings, Finland takes a different approach. Finnish teachers are held to high standards, requiring a master’s degree before entering the profession. Teaching programs are among the most rigorous in the country.
The Finnish Ministry of Education emphasizes that accountability arises only when responsibility is absent. School principals address performance issues directly rather than relying on a rigid evaluation system.
3. Cooperation Over Competition
Unlike systems that promote competition among schools, teachers, or students, Finland prioritizes collaboration. This cooperative mindset fosters an inclusive educational environment, enabling schools to focus on collective improvement rather than rankings or merit-based recognition.
4. Emphasis on the Basics
Decades ago, Finland’s education system needed reform. The solution lay in returning to fundamental values: balancing social inequality through education, providing free school meals, ensuring access to healthcare and psychological counseling, and offering individualized guidance. Finnish schools create a supportive, equitable environment for all students.
5. Later School Starting Age
In Finland, children start school at seven years old, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free early childhood. Compulsory education lasts only nine years, after which schooling is optional.
This approach emphasizes letting children be children and reduces the pressure of structured learning during developmental years.
6. Diverse Career Paths Beyond College
Finland provides students with varied educational paths beyond traditional university degrees.
Upper Secondary School prepares students for the Matriculation Test, which determines university admission.
Equally valued is vocational education, a three-year program that equips students with practical skills for careers.
Both paths are seen as professional and fulfilling, ensuring students have multiple avenues to success.
7. Later Start Times for School
Finnish schools begin between 9:00 and 9:45 a.m., contrasting with earlier start times in many other countries.
Research highlights the negative effects of early school start times on students’ health and well-being. Finnish schools prioritize holistic learning with longer class periods, extended breaks, and an overall relaxed schedule that reduces stress.
8. Continuity with the Same Teachers
Students in Finland often stay with the same teacher for up to six years, fostering strong relationships and trust. This continuity allows teachers to understand students’ unique needs and learning styles, enabling personalized support and consistent guidance throughout their education.
9. Relaxed School Environment
Finnish schools emphasize a stress-free atmosphere. Students have a few classes daily, interspersed with multiple breaks for recreation, stretching, and relaxation.
Teachers benefit from dedicated lounges where they can recharge, prepare for lessons, or socialize. A supportive environment for both students and teachers enhances overall productivity and well-being.
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10. Minimal Homework
Finnish students spend less than 30 minutes on homework daily, the least among OECD countries. Without the burden of excessive assignments, students focus on learning during school hours. This balanced approach allows them to grow academically and personally without undue stress.
Two Quoted Perspectives
Pasi Sahlberg, a Finnish Ministry of Education director, noted that accountability becomes unnecessary when responsibility is emphasized. He explained that Finnish teachers, trusted and highly trained, operate in a system that values their autonomy and expertise.
A study by the US National Library of Medicine reinforced Finland’s practice of later school start times, citing improved student well-being, maturity, and overall health.
Final Thoughts
How does your country’s education system compare to Finland’s? Could adopting some of these practices improve learning outcomes? Finland’s success demonstrates that prioritizing equity, well-being, and collaboration can lead to an outstanding education system.
