The aim of the study unit is to encourage the student to understand the origin and development of the
present Finnish educational system and teacher education.
The unit will focus on education policy, targets, strategies, management system, legislation, and educational changes in Finland. The student becomes familiar with the Finnish educational system and the academic
research on it. The study unit is intended for future teachers, students in educational sciences, administrators, and researchers.
The main content of the lectures:
The Finnish educational system from international perspectives
Curriculum system in the Finnish Education
After a completed course the student will have knowledge and understanding in:
the basic values, principles, and targets of primary and secondary education;
the main background of curriculum development and reforms of the Finnish education system;
understand the leading principles of the Finnish educational system;
have an understanding of the historical evolvement of the education system since the 1970s; educational change in Finland in light of the European educational reform movement; and future perspectives of formal education in Finland;
can compare the Finnish educational system to other educational systems in the global world;
have the readiness to discuss educational systems and also introduce the major features of the Finnish
educational system and teacher education to international audiences when working as an educational expert.
Paths related to the course:
Path of sustainable development
Path of equality and non-discrimination
Path of special education
Path of digital skills
Lisätietoa
Completion methods
Achieving the learning outcomes requires a good command of the content of the lectures.
Assessment practices and criteria
Required written assignments vary.
Activities and methods in support of learning
The course is based on versatile student-centered teaching-studying-learning method in different studying
environment.
Students have reading materials on the Finnish educational system and teacher education that they analyze and reflect on in their assignments. Students are expected to work also collaboratively and share their
ideas and thoughts on educational issues. Individual work is included in the course.
All materials are in English and are suitable also for those students who will give a talk or presentation
about the Finnish educational system.
Moodle learning environment will be used throughout the course.
Target groups
Students of Master's Programme in Changing Education, exchange students of the Faculty of Educational
Sciences, other students. The course is multidisciplinary and suitable for many types of students at several
levels.
Teaching period when the course will be offered
According to the Changing Education study path.
Recommended time or stage of studies for completion
If the course is offered as a continuous learning course, it may be taught at a different time.
Hannele Niemi, Jari Multisilta, Lasse Lipponen ja Marianna Vivitsou (Eds.) (2014). Finnish Innovations and
Technologies in Schools. A guide towards New Ecosystem of Learning.
Meri, M. (2013). Finland. In H. Dörbert & W. Hörner (Eds.). Education systems in Europe. Schneider Verlag.
Hannele Niemi, Auli Toom, Arto Kallioniemi (Eds.) (2016) Miracle of Education (2nd revised). Sense Publishers.
Selected research articles in journals or books that describe the Finnish educational system and teacher
education including also Vocational teacher education