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Finnish School System Vs American Education System

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assessments for students are discussed.
Comparing our schools to the neighboring schools simply is not enough. Governments and school administrators now look at educational systems that work at a global scale. Finland has served to be an excellent role model of a functioning school system that, year after year, outperforms the United States and many other countries around the world. While there is no easy procedure or simple answer for remodeling a perfect educational system, Finland’s educational system has three defining features that have made it one the most prosperous school systems in the world. It is equitable, viewed as a long-term investment, and based upon a mutual trust between parents, educators, and students. The problem with …show more content…

The communal belief of the entire country aids in making education an integral part of life and society. In the United States, students attend school because it is an obligation or illegal to keep a student home from school. The Finnish believe that teachers must be thoroughly trained first. Unlike the American educational system that revolves around standardized testing for students, the Finnish have developed a standardized training program for their teachers. Sahlberg (2009) explains that, “The Finns have worked systematically over 35 years to make sure that competent professionals who can craft the best learning conditions for all students are in all schools, rather than thinking that standardized instruction and related testing can be brought in at the last minute to improve student learning and turn around failing schools.” Standardize testing for this type of assessment simply does not work for students or teachers. However, methodically and carefully crafting an individual into a teacher has paid off in Finland. Under strict program requirements, each teacher in Finland is taught the exact same way. As a matter of fact, after they graduate from college, potential teachers are carefully selected from a pool of applicants. Only 10-15% of those applicants are accepted into the program and all of the applicants are required to earn a master’s degree over a period of the next three …show more content…

The Unites States focus on Language Arts and Mathematics has limited and closed off the opportunities for students to excel in the arts, music, and humanities by not allowing sufficient time during the day to practice these subjects. Even though supporters claim that Common Core testing is an essential and practical way to measure learning, the standards only measure a small percentage of what a student actually knows or has learned over the course of a school year. A standardized test cannot measure or encourage growth or improvement, creativity, or curiosity. Having different types of assessment is necessary change in order to improve our educational

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By doing so, we can rely on assessments that allow students to practice and apply material in order to foster retention and mastery (Ravitch 261). Ravitch discusses Finland and how they completely reformed their educational system into a structure that has students take zero standardized tests until they reach the college application process, a method that was enacted to promote teacher accountability and place a stronger emphasis on the noncognitive aspects of individual development. A component of the basis for the argument, Ravitch states, is that while standardized testing may be effective when it is administered fairly, it often impairs students’ abilities to critically analyze information and leaves them practicing how to guess the “right answer.” Addressing this issue is a responsibility that falls on administrators and policymakers; they must be held accountable and required to make changes that best meet the constantly evolving needs of the students. In this case, completely modifying the concept of standardized testing is a necessity.

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Ever since the first American schools were established in the 17th century, millions of students have been enrolled in the public schooling system since then. However, since the years have passed, the main focus on schooling has been shifted. What once was a place to learn and build upon already acquired knowledge has turned into a setting of extravagant tests. The American public schooling system’s prioritization of standardized testing wastes classroom time, does not teach students the required life skills they need to succeed in life, causes unhealthy stress and is not an accurate measurement of student progress.

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Did you know that Finland and the U.S. have many differences in their school system? The elementary school systems in Finland and the U.S. are very different. The school system in Finland is very different than the U.S school system. There are different qualifications in Finland to become a teacher than in the U.S. In my opinion I think that Finland's school system is better the U.S school system.

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Educators in Finland do not believe that frequent testing and stronger accountability will increase student learning, but could create opportunities for biased teaching, which may raise test scores with little learning. Because Finland does not emphasize standardized testing, there is no competition among schools and thus no unnecessary stress on students and teachers. The low level of accountability and testing allows teachers to guide students to discover their own ways of accomplishing curricular goals without fear; for most students, this type of environment encourages creativity and excellence. Another factor leading to a superior learning environment in Finnish schools is adequate time for collaboration among teachers. Such opportunities help teachers share knowledge of individual students, plan together, and learn from each other.

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Students' intelligence aren't measured at all for the first sixed years, so they can focus more on learning, collaboration, and personal needs rather than competing with other students for an "A". The difference between the "weakest" and "strongest" is the smallest in the world. About two thirds of students attend college, and that is the highest rate in all of Europe. They also have longer breaks compared with other schools, and teachers only spend four hours a day in the class room and two hours for extra help. Today, Finland's education system is proven to be most effective, and students outperform most of the world.

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