Our delegation arrives in Finland
After a very successful trip to Finland in 2023, we decided to organise another tour to Finland but this time, we did it a little differently - we crossed the Neva river and headed to Estonia as well, to learn about two of the most academically and technologically advanced countries in the world. Our delegation from India set sail on the 11th of May and spent six days in an immersive learning environment also coupled with lots of fun. Here’s what we learnt:
Learnings from Finland
Wellbeing is their mantra: Finland has taken various steps in ensuring their students can thrive under any circumstances in the world. A major step in this direction is the abolishing of student ranking through mandatory tests. Instead, students are given autonomy in classrooms and teachers recognise individual learning needs to motivate them into being life-long learners. Despite not being modeled around examinations Finland has topped global education rankings.
Delegates at Finnish National Agency
Teachers have complete autonomy and authority over their classrooms: Many things about the Finnish education system are unique, a primary example would be the degree of agency teachers have in their classrooms. Teachers are empowered to run their classrooms based on the needs of their students and this makes it easy for them to model learning pathways that are individualised to suit each student as well. Of course, for this method to work, classrooms need to have smaller strengths but it is still remarkable how external influences do not interfere with a teacher’s autonomy in the classroom.
Head teacher of a School in conversation with our delegates
Teachers are given extensive opportunities to learn and upskill: Teachers need to be exceptionally well trained to be able to keep up with the dynamic demands of the education system. More so, if they aim to dispense teaching methods that are individualised. For this reason - they are given ample opportunities to learn and grow. They are trained in development psychology and are trained to think of classroom problems through the lens of researchers. Unique findings are shared and dispensed across the board.
Our delegation exploring classroom design in a Finnish Kindergarten
Technology is important and judiciously used: Finland recognises the importance of having technology in classrooms but at the same time, it teaches students to respect its boundaries. Math and Science concepts are simplified and taught using ICT and students are encouraged to draw their boundaries around the use of it as well. This ensures a rapt balance and students themselves learn how to avoid modern day problems like digital and screen fatigue.
Demonstrating the use of ICT in classrooms
Learning is a process and not an outcome: The Finnish education system aims to turn students into lifelong learners. They have recognised that a dynamic global environment requires a dynamic approach to learning and shifting their goals from testing students to preparing them for the future means encouraging them to constantly think of upskilling, reskilling and learning for pleasure. This solves many challenges, the major being a student’s ability to adapt to a world where skill demands are constantly shifting.
Dr Marjo Rissanen, Counsellor of Education (PhD), at Finnish National Agency for Education
Learnings from Estonia
Visiting an Estonian Secondary School
Top PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) performers: In 2018, Estonia topped the list in reading, maths and science, surpassing all other major European countries. In 2024, Estonia came 7th in the world PISA ranking even outdoing Finland. This feat is remarkable especially since Estonia went through education reforms fairly recently and their aggressive approach to change has served them in their agenda.
Education plays the role of Equaliser in the country: Estonia has one of the lowest gaps in socio-economic accessibility to education across the world. This is because education is not just free for all, but the quality and access to advanced learning methods has been standardised across the board. This includes free meals, transport and primary medical aid along with subsidised hobby education for those who need it.
Accessibility to flexible higher education: Estonia recognises the need for students to learn in their own time and space. This means students are given avenues to continue learning in manners that benefit them by also keeping opportunities very flexible. This means that students can find pathways that cater to their current needs. For instance, students are given opportunities to work while they study or find a system where they can fit learning while they work. Keeping these options accessible means acknowledging dynamic learners who need their diverse learning needs met through various methods and channels. This also includes vocational education.
Our delegation sat in on a live classroom session
Technology is a big part of their teaching and learning model: Ed-tech is one of the fastest growing fields in Estonia boasting an annual growth rate of 30-50%. It is no wonder that technology drives a lot of classroom instruction. Estonia is one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries and it uses various simulating technologies in classrooms to help learners with diverse needs. The use of technology is not just encouraged but also instrumental in the country’s global education ranking.
Teacher’s autonomy in classroom instruction is vital: Much like Finland, Estonia believes that giving teachers agency is instrumental in creating lifelong learners. Teachers, with the support and guidance of principals, are encouraged to make decisions that benefit their students and cater to each student’s individual needs. This gives every student an opportunity to learn in a manner that suits them most effectively. Recognising individual student needs also encourages them to love the process and seek it religiously through every sphere of their lives.
Use of Game design principles in Schools
On the last day in Estonia, our delegation attended a session on “Making Education More Fun Using Play and Games” by Dr. Peadar Callaghan, and explored the application of game design principles in educational settings to create a more engaging and enjoyable learning environment. Dr. Callaghan, an expert in English Language Teaching and an advocate for integrating game design in education, shared key insights on transforming schools into playful and interactive spaces.
Dr. Peadar Callaghan, in discussion with our delegation, taking them through the fundamentals of game design in the curriculum.