Finland's Educational Shift: Factors Contributing to Decline and Future Directions

Introduction

Finland, once renowned for its innovative and successful education system, has seen a notable decline in global rankings, particularly in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). This article explores the various factors contributing to this shift, offering insights into the challenges and potential future directions for Finnish education.

From Prominence to Renewed Challenges

For over two decades, Finland's education system was celebrated for its effectiveness, leading the pack in numerous global assessments. However, over the last decade, the country has seen a significant drop in its PISA rankings, falling from the top of the European league to just "above average." This decline has sparked extensive debate and analysis among educators, policymakers, and the public. Several key factors have been identified as contributing to this downturn, as summarized in a recent interview with a Finnish Headmaster from Ilta-Sanomat.

Key Factors Leading to the Decline

1. Lack of Continuous Improvement

A common reason often cited for the decline is that Finland became too complacent, failing to maintain a culture of continuous improvement. This stagnation was exacerbated by the country's conservative approach to educational reforms, as seen in the case of Nokia's failure to innovate in the mobile phone sector. When other countries looked to Finland as a benchmark for educational excellence, they also managed to improve their practices, while Finland's progress leveled off. This complacency is a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

2. Increasing Population Diversity

Another significant factor is the increase in the Finnish foreign-born population. This has led to an influx of children with varying linguistic and cultural backgrounds, posing additional challenges for the educational system. While the intention to include all children in the classroom is commendable, the practical implementation has resulted in a range of issues, from insufficient support for special needs students to difficulties in early intervention for those requiring additional assistance. Ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive the necessary support and attention remains a pressing concern for Finnish education.

3. Negative Outcomes of Recent Reforms

The interview with a Finnish Headmaster from a school in Southern Finland highlights nine significant changes that have negatively impacted the educational environment over the past decade. These reforms, while well-intentioned, have led to various issues such as:

Removal of Special Needs Classes: While the intention was to create more inclusive classrooms, this has led to special needs children not receiving the attention they need, and a risk of disrupting the rest of the class. Larger School Units and Classes: Increased class sizes and larger school units have made it harder for teachers to know their pupils and colleagues, leading to a risk of overlooking potential issues and a lack of early intervention. Open Space Classrooms: Traditional, closed classrooms have been replaced with open spaces, which can be distracting for some students, particularly those who require a quiet and focused environment to concentrate. Optimisation of School Space: Over-optimisation has made it difficult for teachers to organise group exercises and study groups, especially for special needs children. Digitalisation: While digitalisation was intended to modernise education, it has led to higher costs, increased workload for teachers, and a lack of tangible benefits in learning outcomes. The increased screen time for students is also a concern, as it may detract from traditional learning methods. External Consultants: The use of external consultants has often resulted in additional bureaucratic requirements and additional workload for teachers, without substantial benefits.

Current State and Future Prospects

Despite these challenges, Finland's education system remains one of the best globally, with education being free at all levels. This ensures equal access to quality education regardless of financial background. However, the decline in PISA rankings and the need for improvements highlight the need for a more flexible and adaptable approach to education.

Measuring education solely by individual achievements like Nobel Prizes does not provide a full picture. In a globalized world dominated by the English language, it is crucial for countries to value and invest in education that is inclusive, equitable, and effective. The future success of Finnish education depends on addressing the issues identified, balancing innovation with practical needs, and ensuring that every child receives the support they require to succeed.