Factors Contributing to the High Performance of Education Systems: Insights from Finland

Siyi Liu

doi:10.54097/cq94sz11

Authors

Siyi Liu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/cq94sz11

Keywords:

Education Systems, High-Performing, Finland, Global Education Reform

Abstract

This essay explores the factors contributing to the high performance of education systems in Finland, providing insights that can inform global education reform efforts. Through an analysis encompassing teacher quality, curriculum design, equitable access, parental involvement, policy and governance, innovation, and cultural and social factors, the essay illustrates Finland’s comprehensive approach to education. Key to Finland’s success are robust teacher training, student-centered pedagogy, and inclusive practices, underpinned by a commitment to educational quality and equity. Central to Finland’s achievement is the collaborative synergy among schools, parents, and communities, facilitated by effective leadership and governance, ensuring coherence between educational objectives and evidence-based policies. Moreover, Finland’s culture of innovation, adaptability, and societal values prioritising education significantly shape its educational outcomes. Data analysed predominantly derive from Worldmapper and PISA studies. By examining these factors, policymakers and educators globally can derive valuable insights from Finland’s education system to enhance educational quality and accessibility universally. This essay advocates for continued research and international collaboration to advance towards achieving high-performing education systems worldwide.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Sahlberg, P. (2011). Finnish lessons: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland? New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

Hargreaves, A., & Shirley, D. (2012). The global fourth way: The quest for educational excellence. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

OECD. (2019). PISA 2018 results (Volume II): Where all students can succeed. Paris, France: OECD Publishing.

Sahlberg, P. (2011). Finnish lessons: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland?. Teachers College Press.

Sahlberg, P. (2018). Finnish lessons 3.0: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland?. Teachers College Press.

Simola, H. (2005). The Finnish miracle of PISA: Historical and sociological remarks on teaching and teacher education. Comparative Education, 41(4), 455-470.

Darling-Hammond, L. (2010). The flat world and education: How America’s commitment to equity will determine our future. Teachers College Press.

Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change (5th ed.). Teachers College Press.

Hargreaves, A., & Shirley, D. (2009). The fourth way: The inspiring future for educational change. Corwin.

Pasi, S. (2020). Finnish lessons 3.0: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland? Teachers College Press.

Maatta, K. (2013). The role of networks in an ambivalent world: Teacher professional development in Finland. Professional Development in Education, 39(5), 747-764.

Kupari, P. (2016). Pedagogical principles of Finnish basic education: History and actual trends. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 48(6), 709-726.

Kaartinen, S. & Kerty, P. (2020). Equal opportunities in Finnish education system: Principals’ experiences with equity and equality. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 35(1), 66-80.

Lappalainen, M., & Vehviläinen, S. (2018). Parental involvement and school collaboration in Finland: The perspective of schools’ teachers and principals. Educational Studies, 44(3), 286-301.

Halinen, I., & Karjalainen, S. (2018). Beyond PISA: Policy analysis of Finnish education system 2000-2015. Journal of International Comparative Education, 3(2), 35-52.