Looking in - Looking Out 1: FINLAND

This is the first in a series of short blogs by Ronnie Boyd looking education systems around the world and how Scotland compares

FINLAND

Many years ago, when I was young, a commonplace view often expressed was that Scotland had the best education system in the world. I now know that was not true and there was no evidence to support this firmly believed assertion.

We are now in the world of globalisation in education where measurement is embedded in most national education systems through standardised testing and OECD league tables.  PISA test scores are pored over and comparisons are made between one country and another.

It is good to look outwith our own boundaries but to be over obsessed by the seeming success to the point of lifting it and copying it into our own educational culture has its drawbacks.

Firstly, it blinds us to the strengths of our own system that visitors see clearly but we seem to be unaware of. Secondly, the lifting of initiatives and policies which seem to work in another system without the necessary critical thought and cultural adjustments usually end in failure. Lastly, comparisons with other systems are often superficial, focussing on the headlines and not the fine detail.

I have been struck over the past few years when speaking to educators and students from beyond Scotland how positive about our education system, particularly with regards to inclusiveness, diversity, the breadth of our education and our emphasis on developing the whole person they are. They comment on the positive staff- pupil relationships and the accent being put on positive feedback rather than the deficit model of only pointing out the defects in students’ work.

Finland is renowned for having one of the most successful education systems in the world, with consistently high rankings in global education assessments. Finnish education is known for its emphasis on equity, teacher professionalism, and a student-centred approach to learning. Finland also has a strong emphasis on play-based learning and encourages students to explore their interests.

Scotland's education system is also highly regarded: more so from those outside our system who seem to appreciate our educational strengths much more than we do ourselves. If we could see ourselves as others see us, we would see a system which emphasises the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation. We would also see that our curriculum is designed to promote skills for life and work, and that the system encourages students to become active citizens who can make a positive contribution to our society.

Some commentators and researchers, while lauding the successes of the Finnish system, also point out that the adherence to mixed ability teaching can be to the detriment of the most able pupils and high achieving students are not stretched to do their best. Likewise, commentators point out that the Scottish system is that assessment drives learning, the curriculum has been narrowed in the later secondary years and there is excessive bureaucracy which takes teachers away from a focus on learning.

Therefore, It is difficult to make direct comparisons between Scotland and Finland's education systems and determine which one is "better," as both have their unique strengths and weaknesses and their own educational histories, cultures and systems.

Next time a look at Singapore’s education system in comparison with Scotland.Thisis