What the Finnish education system is like, in 14 key points

The Finns enjoy one of the best education models in the world. How do they do it?

Traditionally, the education systems specific to northeastern European countries have been considered some of the best in the world. Specifically, the Finnish education system is, among the nations of Europe, the one that stands out among the rest the best results in evaluation reports such as the Pisa Report, according to its progression.

Below, we describe the main characteristics that distinguish the Finnish education system. Each of these qualities has contributed to the resounding success of its education system and has placed it as a benchmark for many other government apparatuses.

What defines the Finnish education system?

The Finnish education system is composed, as in most countries, of a series of school stages consisting of preschool education, basic education, which would be equivalent to our primary and secondary education; higher education, characterized by offering a more technical training and tertiary education that takes place at the university.

If we only take into account this structure, we can observe that it does not differ much from the rest of the educational systems, including the Spanish one. However, its way of perceiving both the right to education and its conception of students and teachers are the main drivers of its success.

For Finnish society, education is the basis and the future of the country's development.Therefore, a good education will ensure good professional futures. This concept allows all children to have access to a quality public education where there are no tuition fees and where transportation and meals are fully subsidized.

One of the main objectives of the Finnish educational system is to equal opportunities for all children to receive an outstanding public education.. In this way, the emphasis is on the learning process rather than on taking exams or tests.

The way in which the Nordic country conceives education, and ensures that there is equality of rights and conditions for all children, is achieved through public funding of a comprehensive education system that is committed to excellence in both students and teachers. is a commitment to excellence in both students and teachers..

The 14 keys to the Finnish education system

The following is a description of the main keys that distinguish the Finnish educational system, which can also help us to reflect on our traditional conception of education and on the rest of the current educational systems.

1. Free and accessible education

Although this first point may seem similar to our educational system, there are major differences. In Finland, education received between the ages of 7 and 16 is compulsory and free, with the difference that it must be free of charge.The difference is that it must be provided in public schools.

In addition, school supplies, books and food are fully financed by the state, as well as transportation in the event that the child lives more than 5 kilometers from school.

2. Equitable distribution of the education budget

This means that the funds allocated to the financing of the educational system are distributed equitably among the study centers.

It is necessary to specify that an equitable distribution is different from an equal distribution in which all schools receive the same. In the case of the Finnish system, there is a subsidy base for all the centersIn the case of the Finnish system, there is a subsidy base for all schools, but the amount finally allocated to each one may vary according to its needs, thus seeking to equalize all schools in order to offer equal conditions.

3. Rigorous selection of professionals

In addition to the competencies required of a professional in education, aspiring teachers must complete a three-year internship. Likewise, those who choose to specialize in a specific subject or subject must have a master's degree in that subject or subject and have completed studies in pedagogy.

Once they have obtained the knowledge and skills expected of them, they must participate in a series of very rigorous selection processes in which, in addition to these competencies, the concept they have of education and what the educational system should be. in which, in addition to these competencies, the concept they have of education and of what the educational system should be, will also be taken into account.

4. Maximum respect for the teaching staff

Due to the rigorous nature of their training and selection, teachers are professionals who enjoy great prestige and authority both in the school environment and in society in general. are highly respected by all members of society.

5. Constant training

Teachers are considered to be the cornerstone of education, so their training is vital. For this reason, the teaching staff must carry out continuous and complementary training. throughout their professional career, helping them to recycle knowledge and adapt to new educational trends.

6. Adequate student ratios

Unlike our country, the Finnish education system does not allow a ratio of more than 20 students per classroom, although it can sometimes reach 25. In addition, the figure of the educational assistant is extremely important, as he/she provides support to the main teacher.In addition, the figure of the educational assistant is extremely important, as he or she provides support to the main teacher regardless of the number of students in the class.

7. Classroom preparation during the working day

Another major difference is that each teacher does not teach as many hours of classThe remaining hours of the working day are used to organize the subject matter, as well as to research and work with other educators.

8. Independence to organize the school curriculum

Although the school curriculum has a common framework and a series of pre-established global guidelines, each educational center, together with the teaching staff, is in charge of designing and organizing this curriculum, with the objective of achieving the established results in the manner they deem best.

9. Freedom of choice for students

The motivation and autonomy of the students is encouraged by offering a progressive freedom of choice.We offer a progressive freedom of choice in some subjects of study from primary education onwards. In this way, we also seek to strengthen their sense of responsibility.

10. Education adapted to the needs of the student

The Finnish education system is characterized by effective identification of students with special educational needs, starting in the early years of school.This begins in the first years of non-compulsory education. These students are then supported and monitored and these difficulties are prevented from increasing.

In addition, standardized tests are avoided and the learning pace of each student is taken into consideration. Finally, the same teacher is in charge of the same group of students from 7 to 12 years old, guaranteeing a perfect adaptation and a great knowledge of these students.

11. Importance of leisure and free time

In addition to education, special importance is given to moments of rest and leisure. Compulsory education does not begin until the age of 7, the school day is much shorter than is usual in other countries, and depending on the stage of education, there are only 3 to 4 classes a day.

In addition, there are breaks between classes and a longer lunch break. Finally, the children do virtually all of their work in the classroom, thus avoiding homework at home.

12. Curiosity is rewarded, not competition

Within the classes, the ability to create, to experiment and the collaboration among students is valued, so curiosity is an essential value. Because of this, there are hardly any exams and there are no grades until the age of 11.. The teachers' evaluations are purely descriptive.

13. Bullying prevention

One of the most important keys to the Finnish education system is the emphasis on the development of bullying prevention programs. The KiVa Method stands out among them. The success of this method lies in the fact that it does not focus only on the aggressor and the victim, but seeks to influence the rest of the classmates so that they do not participate in any way in these bullying dynamics. As a result, the harasser will eventually stop his behavior when he sees that he is not supported by anyone. In addition, social-emotional we also work on the socioemotional skills and values of the students. and the values of the students.

14. Role of parents in learning

The implication of the parents in the development and education of the children is an indisputable conception in the whole country, reason why the education is complemented from house with other cultural activities. To facilitate this task the state offers support and facilitates the reconciliation of work and family life.The aim is to allow parents to invest more time in their children.