Ever since the results from the 2000 Programme for International Student Assessment ( PISA ) reveal Finland ’s educational superiority , Americans have developed something of an obsession with pointing out the differences between our pre - college education systems — how Finland is doing it all correct and America is falling behind . But what precisely are the main differences that contribute to Finland ’s achiever ?
1.Public schools get the money they need.
Unlike in the U.S. , public shoal in Finland are n’t competing for money . There are n’t monetary incentives for learn directly to standardized tests , they are n’t outsource funding to non - profit brass , and money is distributed fairly equally among all schools , regardless of location .
2. It’s not easy to become a teacher.
Fresh faced college graduates are n’t being sent out to mould the mind of Finland ’s children . All teacher — except kindergartener — must complete a highly competitive Master ’s program . The teacher pedagogy program is fully subsidise and more selective than both law and medical schooling .
3. But being a teacher is worth it.
On modal , teacher spend four hours a day in the classroom , giving them more prison term to plan lesson , furnish students with redundant aid , and enter in the hebdomadal teacher development requirements . Teachers are paid well , and even though it ’s still a preponderantly distaff profession , it ’s not looked down upon or undervalued . They even getpaid gestation leave of absence .
4. No yearly standardized testing.
bookman are want to take just one home standardized test and that comes at the end of general upper secondary Education Department . Until then , teachers are in charge of incorporate assessments into lessons and foster students ’ ability to ego - assess .
5. Classes are smaller.
alternatively of expecting teacher to control stratum of 30 or more student , classes in Finland are throttle to no more than 20 student . With few scholar to supervise , teacher can ensure that students are performing at the appropriate levels before they fine-tune on to the next tier . If they ’re not , then teachers also have the time and resources to provide them with extra guidance — including special teachers whose job it is to play with struggling students .
6. Education professionals are responsible for designing the curriculum.
The National Finnish Board of Education designs the core curriculum , but instructor and districts are capable to shape within the framework provided to create their own unique architectural plan of subject field . Teachers are trusted to follow through the necessary criteria and are not subject to interior assessments .
7. Kids get to be kids.
Younger students get more clock time for recess—75 moment , not 25 — and get a 15 - minute geological fault between each course . They also take classes in art and music and participate in interactive , hands - on learning . bookman do n’t start pre - primary instruction until they ’re 6 old age older and get down their primary instruction at 7 .
