The Top 8 Reasons Why Finland Has the Best Education System in the World in 2016

Arja-Sisko Holappa, an advisor to the Finnish National Council for Education, emphasized that prioritizing students' enjoyment while learning is a core focus of Finland's educational program. He stated, "There is a Finnish saying: If learning is not enjoyable, it will be easily forgotten." To embody this philosophy, Finnish schools often have dedicated staff focused on ensuring students' enjoyment. In addition to the core curriculum, students can choose elective subjects like painting, crafts, and music, which are taught in a relaxed, enjoyable way without the pressure of exams. Furthermore, students engage in outdoor activities four times a day, each lasting 15 minutes. After school, homework is minimal, allowing children plenty of free time to relax and explore the world around them.

In Finland, learning is encouraged, but teachers never force students to study subjects they are not interested in. Practicality is highly valued in Finnish education. If a student is not keen on studying or prefers to pursue a practical job, teachers respect their decision and do not intervene excessively. There is no pressure regarding assignments, grades, or exams in Finland, so teachers focus more on nurturing independent learning skills than on teaching theoretical concepts. Students learn to research and analyze what they study based on real-life experiences. Finns constantly seek to improve their educational methods for the benefit of their children. As a result, Finnish students learn with a spirit of voluntariness and can enjoy life even during their lessons.

Finns focus more on developing practical life skills and hands-on experience than memorizing theories for exams. As a result, there are no major exams throughout Finland's educational system. Students do not need to bury themselves in books to memorize information for tests, nor are there any extra-curricular tutoring or exam preparation classes. During their education, teachers give assessments to review knowledge and use the results to improve teaching methods. There is no culture of competition or 'scary' exams for students in Finland. Throughout their schooling, students only take a written exam to assess their progress and determine graduation eligibility from high school.

One of the key factors contributing to Finland's renowned education system is the high quality of its teachers. In Finland, teachers must hold a master's degree and meet rigorous standards. They do not study theoretical, outdated educational philosophies but instead focus on the most effective and practical teaching methods. Additionally, Finnish teachers collaborate closely with each other to improve teaching practices and create more accessible lessons for students. As a result, teaching is highly respected and valued in Finland, and the profession enjoys great esteem within the society.

One of the standout features of Finland's education system is that tuition is completely free at all levels. Parents do not have to pay for their children's education, as it is fully subsidized by the government. Additionally, students enjoy several other benefits, such as:

• School cafeterias provide free lunch for boarding students.

• Students living more than 2 kilometers from school are provided with daily bus transportation.

• Students regularly participate in outdoor activities, trips, and visits to museums.

• Schools provide all necessary learning materials and recreational supplies for students.

The concept of equality is deeply rooted in Finnish culture, and it is strongly reflected in their education system. A Finnish education expert compared schooling in the US and Finland, stating, "In the US, schools are like businesses, and parents can buy what they want. In Finland, parents also have choices, but all options are equal." The principle of equality in Finnish schools means that teachers, students, and parents work together to create a fair educational system that focuses on the collective benefit of all students, rather than individual competition. This commitment to equality is evident in various aspects of the Finnish education system:

• Between schools: All schools have similar infrastructure, educational equipment, and curricula.

• Between subjects: All subjects are considered equally important.

• Between parents: Parents' professions are kept confidential to prevent favoritism.

• Between students: There are no separate classes for gifted students or remedial ones; all students are treated equally by teachers, regardless of their academic performance.

This approach fosters a strong bond between teachers, students, and parents and provides a model for creative education that other countries should adopt in their school systems.

The Finnish education system ensures that all students graduate from high school. Over 93% of Finnish students graduate from either vocational or secondary schools, a figure significantly higher than other developed countries. Each student chooses their educational path based on their strengths and weaknesses. At the age of 16, Finnish students can opt for vocational programs such as hospitality, construction, or healthcare, or they can pursue an academic route to prepare for university. More than 43% of Finnish students choose vocational education to build their future careers. After high school graduation, Finnish students receive full government funding for their studies at any of the eight national universities. With a university enrollment rate of 66%, Finland boasts one of the highest rates in the EU.

In Finnish culture, collaboration is emphasized for the common good rather than individual competition. The education system in Finland is largely based on public schools, with very few private institutions. Everyone invests in the success and quality of the public schools. There is no competition between schools over students or exam results, and when a school discovers an effective teaching method, it quickly shares it with others. This approach contrasts with other developed countries, where there is often competition between public and private schools regarding factors such as teachers, students, and funding. This collaborative spirit is a key factor behind Finland's balanced and comprehensive education system.