Finland; Best Education System in the World? You Decide!

"If you look closely and open your mind, you may see the School of Tomorrow." 

William Doyle recently wrote an article called "How Finland broke every rule- and created a top school system" for the website: The Hechinger Report. Apparently, Finland started to do the exact opposite of what education reformers think should be done in classrooms in America. Students in Finland are given basic instruction in math, language, science, as well as training in second languages, arts, crafts, music, physical education etc. As well as the instruction, students are given four outdoor play breaks throughout the day lasting roughly fifteen minutes. The amount of homework depends on the teacher, but overall is considered to be very light. Instead of control, competition, stress and standardized tests, Finland's approach to success includes collaboration, warmth, and teacher led encouragement and assessments. Technology is used in the classroom, but a smartphone or tablet will not be seen in the classroom. Just a smart board and the teacher's desktop. 

In Finland, a profession in teaching is highly respected and is the most desirable job next to medical doctors. Finland is thought to have the most effective school system. Apparently, Finland does everything [in regards to the educational system] just the opposite of how it is done in America. Of course, Finland's education system is not perfect, but it seems to be working very well for them. 

Now of course there are critics who argue that such policies as Finland's would not work for schools in the United States, such as inner city schools. Inner city schools focus on "drill-and-practice", no excuses, and relentless standardized tests. 

So looking at all this information  it seems that Finland knows what it is doing when it comes to the education policies implemented. The U.S. and Finland seem to have different outlooks on how to be successful with their systems of education. For Finland, they seem to be excelling in delivering educational excellence. Finland seems to know how students learn the best. As for the United States, I think slowly adopting some of the methods used in Finlans would not hurt. Now of course, it would vary depending on schools. The United States education system is based on a rigid curriculum. Standardized testing are something that every student has to deal with again and again. Finland focuses more on self assessments and peer assessments which can take away some of the stress and fear that come with standardized tests. 

Personally, I think that Finland's approach works very well. Students are achieving excellence and seem to prosper in the relaxed school environment that Finland provides. It is hard to say whether or not the United States would have the same success as Finland does. The United States and Finland are very different and both have many different attributes that make them special. I agree that there are certain aspects to Finland's education success such as the peer assessments and warm environment as opposed to the rigid standardized test and drill an practice used in the United States. I think the United States would benefit from adopting some of the techniques used in Finland to help contribute to the overall success of the education system and the students reaching excellence. 

Virtual Class & Lesson Types

            Due to inclement weather on February 16, 2016 fieldwork was unfortunately cancelled:( Although the teacher candidates were upset, I'm sure the students at Bishop Dunn were very excited they got the day off of school! Due to the bad weather we had a virtual class instead of meeting face to face. This was a new experience to me and I must say I enjoyed it. Dr. Smirnova was able to show us a powerpoint and interact with us at the same time. She asked us questions and there was a little chat for us to respond to the questions she asked. We got to see her as she spoke to us about many different important aspects of the class. One very important thing that we talked about are the different types of lesson.

            There are three different types of lessons: Inquiry, Direct and Cooperative. An Inquiry lesson is where students analyze and develop a hypothesis. An Inquiry lesson is student centered where students conduct their own investigations. Inquiry lessons are great because they are usually very hands on and can grasp the students attention. Many students enjoy when they get the chance to start investigations and the control is in their hands! The second type of lesson is a direct lesson. A direct lesson is teacher centered. A direct lesson is a very common type of lesson that is taught through explicit and guided instructions. Direct instruction is very useful but it does not allow students to really get the opportunity to have a hands on experience. Instead the teacher is lecturing and teaching them for extended time. The third type of lesson is a cooperative lesson. A cooperative lesson is when student are clustered into small groups. The students work together in their small group all working toward the same goal. Through cooperative lessons each student is learning individually while working in groups helping out their peers.

As a teacher, it is important to review lessons and make sure that you are using a combination of different types of lessons to best serve your students. Each student has individual needs and it is a teachers responsibility to make sure that you are serving each child's specific needs! 

Day 1: Check!

Today was the first day of fieldwork! It was very successful if I do say so. There were four groups of students that we got approximately eight minutes with. We got to know the students a little. My group and I created puzzle pieces that we filled with our name and things we like such as hobbies, favorite things etc. We asked the students to fill the pieces in with things about them so we can get to know them a little bit better. In the end we hope that we can connect them all together and make a big puzzle linking all the student’s pieces! Here’s how mine turned out! 

My puzzle piece!

             The students seemed to really enjoy creating their own puzzle pieces and we learned about their likes, families, hobbies etc. While we were doing this activity we were asking the students about some of the past presidents and our current president. They seemed to know some important aspects of the presidents, which was great! Our topic that we will be teaching the students will be about our nations leaders. Some of the students today seemed to have an interest in our past leaders, so I’m sure they will enjoy the lessons that we will be preparing for them.
             Getting to meet and work with the students, even though it was for a little amount of time, was very fun. It got me very excited for our upcoming visits with this class. All of the students are very sweet and seem willing to work, which is fantastic. Most of the students were already very curious about what we were going to be learning about together.

Twas the night before fieldwork!

 

            Tomorrow is the first day of fieldwork!  

I am extremely excited but quite nervous as well. I cannot wait to get into the classroom and meet the students whom I will be working and teaching over the course of the next month or so!

            For the first day of fieldwork, my group and I will be bringing in a book called “So You Want to be President” by Judith St. George and David Small. 

This is a great book that I think the students will really enjoy. The book talks about past presidents and shows children that anyone can be president! This will help to get the students thinking about the past presidents. While we read the book we will be asking the students some questions to try to get an idea of what they know about the leaders of our country!

            In addition to reading the book, we will also be doing an activity to get to know each other. We have printed out a puzzle piece and we will ask the students to write their name on it. On the puzzle piece the students will be asked to write about things they like such as their favorite foods, movies, colors etc. My group and I will be doing this as well so we can all get the chance to learn a little bit about each other and become comfortable with one another. I think this will be a great chance for the students to express themselves since they can make it any way they want.

            I am very excited to be able to jump right in and get started on fieldwork. Although I am a little nervous, I am sure once I get in the classroom and get to know the students I will be feeling great and confident!