Knowledge
4 things Indian education system can learn from Finland.
Across the world, Finland holds the honour of the maximum students graduating from high school, the least difference between the top and the bottom percentile of students, the least homework. Here is looking at what makes the Finland education system be a world leader.
Across the world the Finnish education system is recognized for its high standards and equal opportunities. According to an infographic from OnlineClasses.org, 93% of Finnish students graduate high-school, compared to 78% in Canada and 75% in the U.S. Much of their success can be attributed to teaching and funding.
Here are 4 strategies that can be adopted by observing Finland.
Strategy 1 – Maximize Options and Minimize exams
Given that the maximum brain development happens till the age of 5, students begin formal education at age 7, giving their brains a few more years to develop. After 9 years of school, when students are 16 years old, they take the only standardized test of their school life and choose to either continue their studies or move into the workforce. If they decide to earn a degree at university, they go on to 3 years of upper-secondary school before applying to colleges. If they choose a faster track into the workforce, they complete a 3-year program at a vocational school. Figures reveal that less than 5% of students directly enter the workforce after high school.
Strategy 2 – Use time wisely
Classes begin as early as 9 a.m. and end no later than 3 p.m. Finnish students have several breaks between 75-minute classes and are encouraged in physical activity throughout the school day. They spend approximately 30 minutes a day on homework and that too is introduced when they are in their teens. Teachers spend less time in class, and are giving more time to prepare lessons.
Strategy 3 – Maintain high standards in teaching
Teaching jobs are reserved for only the top 10% of Finland’s graduates, and teachers for all levels are required to have a master’s degree. In OECD’s 2014 report,”Education at a Glance,” Finland’s 2012 average student to teacher ratio at the primary education level was 14:1, one less student than the average of all OECD member countries surveyed. According to an article from Smithsonian magazine, “Nearly 30 percent of Finland’s children receive some kind of special help during their first nine years of school.” Teachers also create their own tests to assess students individually.
Strategy 4 – Funding as an Equalizer
If you have been impressed so far, then get this. Finland spends only a third of the U.S. budget on education and there are no private schools in their country. Their public schools have equal funding and quality, which means there’s no commercial market in education. Parents have the ability to choose what school their child goes to, but since they’re all relatively the same, there are no “bad” or “better” options. Finland’s educational institutions are not allowed to charge tuition, which applies from preschool to graduate school. According to an article from WeAreTeachers.com, “The gap between the top students and bottom students in Finland is the smallest in the world. And if a school is struggling, they pair it up with a successful school to help pull it up.”
Reading about the 4 strategies that made Finland so staggeringly ahead of other countries in terms of education, one may think why can’t we have something similar in India. To my mind, the point which stands out like a sore thumb is that while Finland has no commercial market in education the same is not true for India. If you visit any nook and cranny of a residential area you will find coaching classes, an odd school or even a decript looking building claiming to be a college. In India, there is no incentive to take the commercial angle out of education. And it seems to be the true devil hounding our well intentioned schemes and budgets.