Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms

Finland's education system is praised for its success in producing high PISA scores. Timothy D. Walker's article on the secrets behind the success of Finland's schools received over 500,000 shares. He reveals how teachers can implement these practices seamlessly with educational standards.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Finland's educational system has garnered worldwide attention for its remarkable achievements in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a set of tests that assess critical-thinking skills in mathematics, science, and reading. In 2001, Finland's fifteen-year-olds achieved the highest scores in the world, surprising many and continuing to amaze even today. How does Finland's education, characterized by short school days, light homework loads, and limited standardized testing, produce students who consistently match the PISA scores of high-powered, stressed-out kids in Asia?

To uncover the secrets behind Finland's success, Timothy D. Walker, a teacher at a Helsinki public school, embarked on a research journey. He has already shared his findings in an article published in the Atlantic, which garnered over 500,000 shares. In this article, Walker consolidates his knowledge and presents practical strategies that teachers can adopt to integrate these successful practices seamlessly into their teaching.

One of the key aspects of Finland's education system is its focus on holistic learning. Rather than narrowly emphasizing academic achievement, Finland's schools prioritize the development of students' social, emotional, and physical well-being. This approach is evident in the shorter school days, which allow for more time for play, creativity, and personal growth.

In addition, Finland's schools place a strong emphasis on teacher training and professional development. Teachers are highly respected and valued in the Finnish education system, and they receive extensive training to develop their skills and expertise. This investment in teacher education contributes to the high quality of instruction and the positive learning environment in Finland's schools.

Another distinguishing feature of Finland's education system is its emphasis on equity and inclusion. Finland's schools are designed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their background or abilities. This commitment to equity is reflected in the light homework loads and the absence of standardized testing. Instead, Finland's schools use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate students' progress and understanding.

Finland's success in education has also been influenced by its culture and values. The Finnish people place a high value on education, and they prioritize the development of critical-thinking skills and creativity. This cultural emphasis on education contributes to the overall quality of the education system and the positive outcomes that students achieve.

In conclusion, Finland's educational system has achieved remarkable success by prioritizing holistic learning, investing in teacher training and professional development, promoting equity and inclusion, and fostering a culture that values education. By adopting these practices, teachers can create learning environments that are engaging, effective, and supportive of all students' needs.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324052616