How is the Finnish education system, in 14 keys

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

Next, we describe the main characteristics that distinguish the educational system of this country. Each of these qualities have contributed to the resounding success of its education system and have set it as a benchmark for many other government apparatuses.

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What defines the Finnish education system?

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

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

For Finnish society, education is the foundation and the future of the country's development; so a good education will ensure good professional futures. This conception allows all children to have access to a quality public education in which there are no tuition fees and in which transportation and food are completely subsidized.

One of the main objectives of the Finnish education system is to give all children an equal opportunity to receive an outstanding public education. In this way, the learning process is emphasized rather than taking exams or specific tests.

The way in which the Nordic country conceives education, and ensures that there is equal rights and conditions in all children, is achieved through the financing with public money of an educational system integral than Commitment to excellence in both students and teachers.

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The 14 keys to the Finnish education system

The main keys that distinguish the Finnish educational system are described below, which are also They can help us reflect on our traditional conception of education and on other educational systems. current.

1. Free and accessible education

Although this first point is similar to our educational system, there are big differences. In finland, education received between the ages of 7 and 16 is compulsory and free, with the difference that this must be taught by necessity in public centers.

In addition, both 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 the school.

2. Equitable distribution of the budget for education

This means that the funds destined to finance the educational system are distributed equally among the study centers.

It is necessary to specify that an equitable distribution is different from an equal distribution in which all centers receive the same. In the case of the Finnish system, there is a subsidy base for all centers, but the amount finally allocated to each one can vary according to their needs, in this way it seeks to equate all the schools to offer equal conditions.

3. Rigorous selection of professionals

In addition to the requirement of the skills of a professional in education, aspiring teachers must carry out a three-year internship period. Likewise, those who opt for a specialization in a specific subject or subject must have a master's degree in it and carry out studies in pedagogy.

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

4. Maximum respect for the faculty

Due to the rigor in their training and selection, teachers are professionals who enjoy great prestige and authority both in the school environment and in society in general, for which reason they are highly respected for all its members.

5. constant training

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

6. Adequate student ratio

Unlike our country, the Finnish education system does not allow a ratio of more than 20 students per classroom, although sometimes it can reach 25. Besides, The figure of the educational assistant is extremely important, already offers support to the main teacher regardless of the number of students in class.

7. Preparation of classes during the working day

Another major difference is that each teacher does not teach so many hours of class, allocating the remaining hours of the day to organize the subject, as well as to investigate 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 lines; Each of the educational centers, together with the teaching staff, are in charge of designing and organizing this curriculum, with the objective of achieving the established results in the way that best estimate.

9. Students' freedom of choice

Motivation and autonomy of students is encouraged, offering progressive freedom of choice in terms of some study subjects from primary education. In this way, it is also sought to enhance their sense of responsibility.

10. Education adapted to the needs of the student

The Finnish education system is characterized by effective detection of students with special educational needs, which begins in the first years of non-compulsory education. Next, support and monitoring of these students is carried out and these difficulties are prevented from increasing.

In addition, standardized tests are avoided and the learning pace of each student is taken into account. 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 them.

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11. Importance of leisure and free time

In addition to education, special importance is attached to moments of rest and leisure. Compulsory education does not start until the age of 7, the school day is much shorter than is usual in other countries, and depending on the educational stages, only between 3 and 4 classes are taught a day.

In addition, there are breaks between classes and a longer lunch break. Finally, the children do practically all the work in the classes, thus avoiding homework.

12. Curiosity is rewarded, not competition

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

13. Bullying Prevention

One of the most important keys of the Finnish educational system is the emphasis on the development of bullying prevention programs. Among them stands out the KiVa Method. The success of this method lies in not focusing only on the aggressor and the victim, Rather, it seeks to influence the rest of the classmates so that they do not participate in any way in these dynamics of harassment. As a consequence, the harasser will end up putting an end to his behavior when he sees that he is not supported by anyone. Besides, social-emotional skills are also worked on and student values.

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14. Role of parents in learning

The involvement of parents in the development and education of their children is an indisputable concept throughout the country, so education is complemented from home with other cultural activities. To facilitate this task, The state offers aid and facilitates the reconciliation of work and family life, with the aim that parents can invest more time in their children.