Finnish Lessons 2.0

APA citation: SAHLBERG, P. A. S. I. (2015). Finnish Lessons 2.0: what can the world learn from educational change in finland? TEACHERS COLLEGE Press.

Summary of first half of book

• Finland does education very differently than the U.S.
• They have a great system, and we can learn a lot from them

The Finns believe that less school is better.
Finns don’t start kindergarten until age 7, school is from 9am-2pm, less homework, teachers and students have less anxiety.

-Finns don’t put high emphasis on standardized testing
-Instead, the Finns focus on teaching students to think critically and independently
-They still test their students but in a different way

Finland teaches kids differently

Key concepts from 2nd half of book

-In Finland, teaching is rated as one of the most admired professions. Ahead of medical doctors, architects, and lawyers. It is typically thought to be dream professions.
-Becoming a teacher in Finland is very competitive. Annually, 1 out of 10 applicants will be accepted to primary school teacher education master's program.

Teachers have to go through lots of research in school, they also have consistent professional development, and professional autonomy is very important.

-Students in Finland are encouraged to find their own way of learning without fear of failure.
-Young Finns are also very involved in sports and youth associations. They learn social skills, problem solving, and leadership.
-Literacy is the backbone of the Finish culture, and reading for pleasure has become an integral part of the cultural DNA of all Finns, especially young Finns.

An overlooked direction of finnish educational development is the reform of school architecture. The building itself can create a sense of well-being, respect, and happiness.

Finland's new vision for schools:
1. less classroom based learning
2. More personalized learning
3. Focus on social skills, empathy, and leadership.
4. Purpose of schooling is to find your talent.

The main theme of this book is that changing education is about creating the best conditions for young people to become engaged learners, fulfilled individuals, and compassionate, productive citizen.

Quote: You have 2 ears and one mouth-use them in that same proportion.
(Sahlberg, 2015, pg 98)
-Application to classroom: As a teacher, it is tempting to be the one that is always talking. However this quote is saying that it is equally as important to listen. If we set a good example to our students to listen well, think of the people they would become. As a future elementary school teacher, I would love to be a good teacher, but also be know as a good listener.

Quote: Curiosity in school will be more important than ever. It is the engine of learning and engaging all students in intellectual, social, cultural, and physical activities.
-Application: I love this quote because I think curiosity is so important especially in school. I will apply it to my future classroom by encouraging curiosity and having students ask questions and think deeply. It not only helps in the classroom, but at home and with friends too. Curiosity is the motivation behind learning, and that is why is it so important for students to have wonder and curiosity.