From Helsinki to Hollywood: Applying the Finnish

Education System in the American Classroom

By Rayhaan Heredia

Introduction

Time and time again, American students continually rank near the middle or bottom among
industrialised nations when it comes to performance in maths and science. The PISA and OECD
routinely releases data which shows that Americans are seriously lagging behind in a number of
educational performance assessments.

Despite calls for education reform and a continual lacklustre performance on the international scale,
not a lot is being done or changing within the educational system. Many private and public schools
run on the same ancient systems and schedules that were once conducive to American society.

Finland – a country rich in intellectual and educational reforms initiated over the years has
implemented a number of novel and simple changes that have completely revolutionised their
educational system. They outrank the United States in most education metrics and have achieved this
in a most importantly, student-centred approach.

Are they cramming in dimly-lit rooms on robotic schedules? No. Stressing over standardised tests
enacted by the government? No way. Finland is leading the way because of common-sense practices
and a holistic teaching environment that strives for equity over excellence. So it’s time to analyse the
practices in use in the Nordic country of Finland

Revered as the best education system in the world, Finland has meticulously curated an apparatus for
academia and learning that is at par with almost all countries around the globe and is emerging as a
role model in the domain of education, the Finnish education system is said to have cracked the code
of imparting quality education and following the motto of eternal learning.

The Finnish education system is designed to support students' development from early childhood
through to higher education, with a strong emphasis on equity and student-centred learning. Each
stage of the education system is designed to build upon the previous stage and prepare students for
further education and employment. The following are the methods implemented within this education
process that have led to Finland’s academic plaudits.

Literature Review 1

The report titled “Analysis of Finnish Education System to question the reasons behind Finnish
success in PISA” by Ulas Ustun and Ali Aryilmaz discusses the history, philosophy, and structure of
the Finnish education system, and examines key policies and practices, such as teacher
professionalism, student-centred learning, and equitable access to education as well as exploring the
role of the Finnish government in supporting and funding education. Here we will further examine the
factors proposed by this research

1. Equity and Equality in Education

The report highlights that one of the major reasons for Finland's success in the PISA rankings is the
country's commitment to equity and equality in education. Finland's education system is designed to
provide universal access to education, strong support for students with special needs, an emphasis on
inclusion, and a commitment to equal opportunities. This ensures that all students, regardless of their
socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to succeed academically. Finnish schools work to
create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, and promote multiculturalism and
tolerance while working to prevent bullying and discrimination. These policies and practices have
contributed to Finland's success in several educational rankings, and have established a high standard
of education that is accessible to all students.

2. Teacher Training Facilities

The third major finding of the report is that teachers in Finland are highly trained and supported,
which contributes to their effectiveness in the classroom. Finnish teachers are required to hold a
master's degree in education, and the rigorous teacher education program includes both academic
study and practical training. This ensures that Finnish teachers are well-prepared to meet the needs of
their students and are able to implement the student-centred curriculum effectively. Additionally as
mentioned previously, Finnish teachers enjoy high levels of professional autonomy, with the freedom
to design their own teaching materials and methods. They are also supported by a strong system of
professional development, mentoring, and collaboration, which allows them to continue to grow and
improve throughout their careers. This support and professional autonomy allows Finnish teachers to
be innovative and responsive to the needs of their students, and contributes to the overall effectiveness
of the Finnish education system.

3. Student Wellbeing

The final and perhaps the most important major finding of the report is that there is a strong emphasis
on student well-being and a holistic approach to education. Finnish schools focus on developing the
whole child, rather than just academic skills, and prioritise the well-being of students as a key
component of education. This is achieved through a variety of policies and practices, including shorter
school days, a reduced emphasis on standardised testing, and a focus on physical activity and outdoor
education. Additionally, Finnish schools place a strong emphasis on fostering a positive school culture
and developing strong relationships between students and teachers. These practices not only promote
student well-being but also help to create a supportive and productive learning environment. Overall,
the report suggests that this holistic approach to education has helped to establish a high standard of
education that values the well-being and development of the whole child.

In addition to the four major findings of the report previously discussed, another key finding is the
strong emphasis on lifelong learning and adult education in Finland. The country has a
well-developed system of adult education, which includes a wide range of courses and programs
designed to help adults continue to learn and develop throughout their lives. Finnish adults are
encouraged to pursue further education and training, and are supported through a variety of initiatives,
including employer-provided training and development programs, government-funded vocational
education and training, and subsidised adult education programs. This emphasis on lifelong learning
helps to ensure that Finnish workers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to
a rapidly changing economy, and helps to promote social mobility and economic growth. Overall, the
report suggests that this focus on lifelong learning and adult education has helped to establish a
culture of learning and development that extends beyond the school years.

Literature Review 2

Another report by an American public education review facility highlights 15 key areas where the
American public education system is seen as failing, including issues such as inadequate funding, high
dropout rates, teacher shortages, achievement gaps, and declining student performance in science and
maths. The report provides statistics and data to support the identified areas of concern and offers
possible solutions to address these issues aims to raise awareness about the current challenges faced
by the American public education system and to encourage policymakers, educators, and communities
to work together to improve it. Below are some of they key areas of concern highlighted in the report:

1. Student Wellbeing

One of the main issues is the high level of stress that students are facing. The report cites a study that
found that around 75% of high school students report feeling stressed on a regular basis, with 26% of
those saying that they experience extreme stress. The reasons for this stress are varied, but include
pressure to achieve good grades, the college admissions process, and concerns over the cost of higher
education. This stress can have a negative impact on students' mental health, leading to anxiety,
depression, and other issues. In addition to stress, there are concerns about the level of bullying that
takes place in schools. The report cites a study that found that around 20% of students report being
bullied, with 64% of those saying that they were bullied because of their appearance or race. Bullying
can have serious consequences for students, leading to lower academic performance, mental health
issues, and even suicide.

2. Teacher Proficiency

One of the key issues highlighted in the report is the lack of preparation that teachers receive for
working with diverse student populations. Many teachers may lack the cultural competency necessary
to effectively teach and engage students from different backgrounds. This is particularly concerning
given the increasing diversity of the student population in the United States. Additionally, the report
notes that many teachers may lack training in key areas such as special education, English language
learners, and technology integration. Without adequate training, teachers may struggle to effectively
meet the needs of all students and to keep up with the evolving demands of the education system.
Another issue is the lack of ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers. The report
notes that many teachers report feeling isolated and unsupported in their professional development,
with limited opportunities for collaboration and growth. This can result in stagnation and burnout, as
well as a lack of innovation in the classroom.

3. Disparities in Learning

The report notes that there are significant disparities in academic achievement based on factors such
as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. For example, according to the National Assessment of
Educational Progress (NAEP), in 2019, the average reading score for white students in 4th grade was
230, while the average score for Black students was 202, and for Hispanic students was 215.
Similarly, in maths, the average score for white 8th graders was 292, while the average score for
Black students was 262, and for Hispanic students was 277. These disparities are concerning as they
can have long-lasting effects on students' future opportunities and success. In addition to the
achievement gap, there are also concerns about the opportunity gap, which refers to differences in
access to educational resources and opportunities. For example, low-income students and students in
rural areas may have less access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and technology, which
can limit their educational and career opportunities.

4. Standardised Approach to Education

The report also highlights the negative impacts of the "one size fits all" approach to education, which
has been the dominant model in American schools for many years and perhaps the biggest
shortcoming of American education. This approach typically involves a heavy emphasis on
standardised testing and a uniform curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of the average
student. However, it can be problematic as it fails to recognize the unique strengths, interests, and
needs of individual students. Students who do not fit into this narrow mould struggle to succeed in
school, become disengaged, and develop negative attitudes towards learning. This can have
long-lasting effects on their academic achievement and future opportunities. Furthermore, the "one
size fits all" approach may not adequately prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce,
which requires creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The report notes that there is a
growing movement towards more personalised and flexible approaches to education, which aim to
meet the needs of individual students and foster their unique talents and interests. This includes
initiatives such as project-based learning, competency-based education, and personalised learning
plans. These approaches hold promise for addressing the limitations of the "one size fits all" approach
and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As seen through the findings of the aforementioned report, the American education system faces
several significant challenges, including a lack of adequate funding, disparities in access to quality
education, inequality in academic achievement, and inadequate teacher training and support. These
issues contribute to a widening achievement gap between different groups of students and can have
long-lasting effects on their future opportunities and success. Additionally, the education system's
emphasis on standardised testing and a one-size-fits-all approach can limit creativity and innovation in
the classroom, and may not adequately prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.
Addressing these challenges will require significant policy changes, including increased funding for
schools, targeted interventions to address inequality, and investments in teacher training and
professional development.

Recommendations
In the words of the great Albert Einstein “Everybody is a Genius. But If You Judge a Fish by Its
Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid” This is where the
American way of education needs to change.

The Finnish education system puts a large emphasis on equity and ensuring that all students have
access to high-quality education. To achieve this, the Finnish system provides significant funding for
schools and resources, including teacher training and support. According to the Program for
International Student Assessment (PISA), Finland consistently ranks among the top-performing
countries in terms of educational equity and student achievement. In the United States, there is
significant variation in funding and resources across different schools and districts, which can
exacerbate inequality and limit opportunities for students in low-income areas. One way in which
Finland's approach could be adapted in the United States is by providing more resources and support
for schools and teachers in disadvantaged areas. This could include targeted funding for schools
serving low-income students, as well as initiatives to provide additional training and support for
teachers in these schools. Additionally, the Finnish system prioritises teacher autonomy and trust,
which allows teachers to have more flexibility in how they design and implement curriculum and
assessments. This could be adapted in the United States by promoting more teacher autonomy and
creativity in the classroom, allowing teachers to design and adapt curriculum to meet the unique needs
and interests of their students. By investing in teacher training and support, providing more equitable
funding and resources, and promoting teacher autonomy and creativity, the United States could work
towards creating a more equitable and effective education system that supports the success of all
students.

In Finland, the emphasis is on creating a learning environment where students feel motivated and
inspired to learn, rather than simply memorising information for tests. This approach has been shown
to improve student achievement and well-being. One way in which Finland's approach to
collaborative and student-centred learning could be adapted in the United States is through initiatives
such as project-based learning. Project-based learning involves students working on real-world
projects that allow them to apply their learning in meaningful ways, while also promoting critical
thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. By engaging students in hands-on, collaborative
projects, project-based learning creates a more dynamic and engaging learning experience that can
help students stay motivated and invested in their learning. Additionally, the Finnish system places a
strong emphasis on teacher training and development, which allows teachers to develop the skills and
knowledge necessary to implement student-centred learning effectively. In the United States,
providing more training and support for teachers in student-centred approaches could help to promote
more engaging and effective learning experiences for students. Overall, by prioritising collaborative
and student-centred learning and investing in teacher training and development, the United States
could work towards creating a more effective and engaging education system that supports the success
and well-being of all students.

Another way in which Finnish education methods could be adapted in the United States is through a
greater emphasis on play-based learning and early childhood education. In Finland, early childhood
education is highly valued, and children are given the opportunity to learn through play, exploration,
and hands-on experiences. Finnish schools also provide ample time for physical activity and outdoor
play, which has been shown to support cognitive and social-emotional development. By contrast,
many American schools place a heavy emphasis on academic achievement from a young age, which
can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of engagement among students. By adopting a more play-based
approach to learning, American schools could help to foster a love of learning and a sense of curiosity
among students, while also promoting social-emotional development and well-being. Additionally, by
investing in early childhood education, American schools could help to reduce educational
inequalities and promote greater equity and opportunity for all students. Studies have shown that
high-quality early childhood education can have significant benefits for children's academic
achievement, social-emotional development, and long-term success, particularly for children from
disadvantaged backgrounds.

In Finland, assessment is viewed as an ongoing process that involves a range of methods, including
teacher observation, self-assessment, and peer evaluation, rather than relying solely on standardised
tests. Additionally, the Finnish system places a strong emphasis on supporting student well-being,
recognizing that student success is not just about academic achievement, but also about emotional and
social development. To this end, Finnish schools provide a range of support services, such as
counselling and health services, to promote student well-being. One way in which the Finnish
approach to assessment and evaluation could be adapted in the United States is through a greater
emphasis on formative assessment. Formative assessment involves providing students with ongoing
feedback and support throughout the learning process, rather than just evaluating their performance at
the end of a unit or semester. By providing more formative assessment, teachers can better understand
student needs and adjust instruction to meet those needs, while also promoting student engagement
and ownership of their learning. Additionally, by placing a greater emphasis on student well-being and
support services, schools in the United States can promote a more holistic view of student success that
takes into account not just academic achievement, but also emotional and social development. By
prioritising formative assessment and promoting student well-being, the United States could work
towards creating a more effective and supportive education system that promotes the success and
well-being of all students.

Adapting Finnish education methods in the United States could potentially improve the effectiveness
and equity of the American education system. Finnish education methods prioritise individualised
learning, teacher professionalism and autonomy, play-based learning, and early childhood education.
These methods have been shown to result in high student engagement, academic achievement, and
overall well-being in Finland. By implementing these methods in the United States, American schools
could create a more effective and equitable education system that supports the success and well-being
of all students, regardless of their background or ability level. Additionally, investing in teacher
training and support and early childhood education could help to reduce educational inequalities and
promote greater equity and opportunity for all students. Overall, by adopting Finnish education
methods, the United States could work towards creating a more effective, equitable, and engaging
education system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of the Finnish education system presented in this report provides
valuable insights into the reasons behind Finland's success in the PISA rankings. The report
highlights the importance of factors such as local autonomy, teacher training and support,
student well-being, and lifelong learning and adult education in contributing to Finland's
success. These insights could be applied to improve the American education system, which
has faced ongoing challenges in meeting the needs of students and families. By increasing
collaboration among schools and municipalities, improving teacher training and support,
emphasising student well-being and a more holistic approach to education, promoting
parental involvement in education, and focusing on lifelong learning and adult education, the
American education system could better meet the needs of students and help to promote
social and economic growth. By learning from the Finnish education system, the United
States could work to improve its education outcomes and ensure that all students have access
to high-quality education and opportunities for success.

Works Cited

Üstün, Ulaş, and Ali Eryilmaz. “Analysis of Finnish Education System to Question the

Reasons Behind Finnish Success in PISA.” ResearchGate, Dec. 2018,

www.researchgate.net/publication/330289073_Analysis_of_Finnish_Education_Syste

m_to_question_the_reasons_behind_Finnish_success_in_PISA.

“Finnish Education System - OKM - Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland.”

Opetus- Ja Kulttuuriministeriö, okm.fi/en/education-system.

“10 Reasons Why Finland’s Education System Is the Best in the World.” World Economic

Forum, 15 Nov. 2022,

www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/09/10-reasons-why-finlands-education-system-is-the

-best-in-the-world.

“---.” CCE Finland, www.ccefinland.org/finedu.