Finland overhauled its education system in the 1950s-1970s, establishing a comprehensive school for all students through age 16, rather than separating students after 6 years. This new system aimed to provide equal opportunities regardless of background. A key factor in Finland's success was raising teaching standards, now requiring all teachers to have a master's degree. While Finland faced economic struggles in the 1990s, investments in research and development led to growth in tertiary education and global competitiveness. Today, Finland's education success is attributed to a culture of trust in teachers, who have decision-making autonomy and are highly respected professionals.
4. 1950’s Finnish Education
Most Finns left school after six years.
Only two types of middle grade education: civic schools
(2-3 yrs. vocational) & grammar schools (5 yrs. led to
academic high school).
Only 25% had access to grammar schools and two-
thirds of grammar schools were privately funded.
5. Comprehensive
(peruskoulu) School
“The comprehensive school is not merely a form of
school organization. It embodies a philosophy of
education as well as a deep set of societal values
about what all children need and deserve.”-
Pasi Sahlberg
6. How did they
change their current
system?
Development of a new national
curriculum.
Took place over 5 years (1965-
1970)
Differentiation in the upper grades to
accommodate for abilities and
interests- abolished in 1980s.
Today
1950’s
7. Most significant factor
If the school was to serve all students equally,
regardless of family background, this would require a
teaching staff with a high level of knowledge and skills.
Raised the bar & standard for teachers
All teachers required to have Master’s Degree
8. Influence of Economy
Initiation of the accession process
into the European Union (1995)
Major economic recession &
collapse of the financial sector
Unemployment reached 20%,
GDP declined 13% and public
debt exceeded 60% of GDP
9. Continued... Influence of
Economy
Nokia assisted in the development
of telecommunications
Focused on research &
development; led to tertiary
education.
In 2001, Finland’s ranking in the
World Economic Forum’s global
competitiveness went from 15th to
1st.
11. Trust in Teachers
Teachers are widely respected in
Finland
Decision making authority given to
teachers (curriculum, assessment,
etc.)
Graduates from highly selective
university programs
Teachers are given the freedom that
other professionals are given in
regards to their job.
12. Admissions Process
Maltriculation Exam score,
upper-secondary school
record and out of school
accomplishments.
Written assessment on
pedagogy, teaching-like
clinical activity, interview on
their motivation to teach.
13. Challenges
All students have the right to
be taught in their native
language (i.e. Swedish only
makes up 5%).
Upper secondary education
and vocational training, some
students want both- how do
they choose?
14. Finland vs. USA
Finnish teachers teach
fewer hours: four lessons
per day vs. US teachers
teach six lessons per day
Framework (room for
discretion) vs. Roadmap
(created centrally-not by
teachers)
