Introduction to the Finnish Education Model

Concept by: Marcus Sheehan

Description

Have you ever wondered why Finland always rates high on Pisa’s performance and wellbeing results? Finland’s education has become well known around the world yet many still don’t understand why and how it can be used in their own classroom. To gain a better understanding of Finland’s progressive style of teaching and practical methods I have designed this engaging course. We will look into various student-centered approaches to learning and how soft skills are implemented into the lessons.

In this course you will:

• Gain an understanding of the Finnish education model
• Learn methods that will adapt your teaching to a more holistic, student-centred approach
• Acquire knowledge in EdTech and how it is used in Finnish education
• Create Finnish style lessons

The most important aspect of Finnish education is that it’s a lot of fun. The week will be filled with activities and getting out and about learning through doing, rather than sitting and listening.

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:

• Understand how Finnish Education has become so highly regarded
• Understand how to use Finnish pedagogy in the classroom
• Create Finnish style lessons
• Take away the importance of holistic education and how to use it in your own classroom

Tentative schedule

The schedule describes likely activities but may differ significantly based on the requests of the participants, and the trainer delivering the specific session. Course modifications are subject to the trainer’s discretion. If you would like to discuss a specific topic, please indicate it at least 4 weeks in advance.

Day 1 – Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities.
• Icebreaker activities.
• Presentations of the participants’ schools.

Day 2 – A brief history of Finland and the Finnish education model

Looking at unique aspects of the Finnish education model and what we can learn from this model and take back to our classrooms

Day 3 – Creating Finnish style lessons

• Finnish pedagogy and practical methods on creating Finnish style lessons.
• Finland’s Transversal Competencies and why soft skills are essential for the future of learning

Day 4 – EdTech & Finnish pedagogy

EdTech is an essential tool when it comes to Finnish pedagogy. Explore some favorite tools for enhancing student-centered learning · We begin creating our own lessons following a Finnish pedagogy approach which will be student centered and include soft skills

Day 5 – Creating our lessons and sharing ideas

The fifth day of lecture, we will continue creating our lessons. The most important part of the course is sharing our ideas. We will allow each person to share their lesson. Sharing our ideas gives us all a better understanding

Day 6 – Course closure & excursion

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion.
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance.
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

Audience

• Teachers (primary, secondary, vocational, adult, special needs);
• Teacher trainers;
• Careers officers, educational guides and counselors;
• Headteachers;
• Principals;
• Managers of schools/organizations offering adult education.