Introduction to the Finnish Education Model

Description

Concept by Mirjami Junnikkala

Have you ever wondered why Finland always rates high on Pisa’s performance and well-being results? Finland’s education system has become well-known around the world, yet many still don’t understand why and how it can be used in their own classroom.

The Finnish educational system is focused on collaborative learning, which uses collaboration as a powerful tool to increase student motivation and participation in the learning process.

Collaborative or cooperative learning aims to stimulate the reflections and critical thinking of students and share ideas with each other.

During this course, the participants will gain a better understanding of Finland’s progressive style of teaching and practical methods. We will look into various student-centered approaches and learn about co-operational learning.

Finland is also well-known for ICT which becomes effectively part of the teaching process, as well as a tool for student-centered learning.

By the end of this course, you’ll discover what types of digital tools are used in Finland and how they are used in a student-centered approach.

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:

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

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course and setting goals

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

Day 2 – Finnish positive education

• Finnish educational model;
• Finnish curriculum in a nutshell;
• Wellbeing comes first: positive education in Finland.

Day 3 – Multidisciplinary learning

• Finland’s Transversal Competencies;
• Multidisciplinary learning: What? Why? How?
• Co-operational learning, hands-on activities.

Day 4 – Finnish educational model and lesson planning

• EdTech in Finnish education;
• Let’s explore some favorite tools and take a look at the pedagogy behind the technology;
• Lesson planning in a Finnish way;
• Creating our own lessons following a Finnish pedagogy approach.

Day 5 – Sharing lesson plans and discussion

• Sharing lesson plans;
• Discussions and feedback;
• Learning café on the topics of the week.

Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities

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