The Decline of Finnish Education: Challenges and Reforms Needed
Over the past two decades, Finland has seen a significant decline in its global ranking in educational assessments. While once renowned for its top-tier education system, Finland now ranks just “above average” in Europe as per the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). This article delves into the reasons behind this shift and explores the necessary reforms required for Finland to regain its former glory.
The Reasons for the Decline
According to various news sources and online discussions, there are three main factors contributing to Finland’s drop in PISA rankings:
1. Complacency in Continuous Improvement
Finland's once unchallenged position led to a complacent attitude among educators and policymakers. The system became too comfortable with its success, neglecting the importance of continuous improvement. This is akin to the downfall of Nokia, where the company did not respond to changes brought about by smartphones and eventually lost its dominance.
2. Fear of Innovation
Another key factor is the reluctance to make any significant changes. During a period of constant praise and global recognition, Finland did not actively engage with reforms that other countries found inspiring. This approach allowed other nations to improve their systems while Finland’s remained stagnant, leading to a decline in its rankings.
3. Increased Foreign-Born Population
The rapid increase in Finland's foreign-born population has brought more children with language and cultural barriers into the classrooms. This has disproportionately impacted immigrant and native students who need additional support. Ensuring these children do not fall behind requires a more focused effort on inclusivity and tailored support systems.
Insights from a Finnish School Headmaster
Recently, an article from the Finnish daily newspaper Ilta-Sanomat highlighted nine significant changes over the past decade that have negatively impacted Finnish schools. While the identity of the Headmaster has been withheld, key points were discussed. Here is a summary:
1. Removal of Special Needs Classes
Special needs children are now included in regular classrooms, a well-intentioned move that has yielded more problems than anticipated. This inclusion has meant fewer resources for these children and a higher risk of disruption in regular classes.
2. Larger Class Sizes and Units
Larger school units and classrooms have reduced the teacher-to-student ratio, making it harder for teachers to know and address issues. This lack of personal connection has resulted in fewer early interventions for students.
3. Open Space Classrooms
The conversion of traditional closed classrooms into open spaces has led to increased distractions and reduced concentration, particularly for students who need a structured environment.
4. Over-Optimisation of School Space
The overly optimised use of school space has made it challenging for teachers to organise group exercises or study groups, particularly for special needs children.
5. Digitalisation
The digitalisation drive to replace traditional books and workbooks with digital mediums has come with significant costs and requires frequent retraining of staff. The Headmaster argues that traditional materials, used effectively, could yield better learning outcomes.
6. Overreliance on External Consultants
Engaging external consultants often produces only additional paperwork, increasing the workload for teachers.
Perspectives on Finland's Educational System
Despite the decline in PISA rankings, Finland still offers a well-regarded education system, with free education from primary to PhD. This system provides every individual a chance to pursue their intellectual capabilities, irrespective of their financial background.
Furthermore, while measuring education solely through Nobel Prizes and top academic achievements may unfairly disadvantage non-English speaking countries and universities, it is critical to consider how these achievements impact the daily lives of those without financial means or high academic performance.
Concluding Thoughts
Finland has to address the outlined challenges to regain its status as a leader in educational excellence. Continuous improvement, innovation, and a more inclusive approach are crucial. While digitalisation may seem like an integral part of modern education, a balanced approach is essential to avoid unnecessary costs and potential drawbacks.
Regular dialogue with educators, policymakers, and the public is needed to ensure that any reforms implemented are effective and genuinely benefit all students.