Why Finnish Schools Finish First: Insights from School Partners' Finland Expedition

In a world where educational excellence is often equated with continuous testing and extended school hours, Finland emerges as a beacon of an alternative approach, one that prioritizes student well-being as the cornerstone of academic success. We at School Partners embarked on an exploratory mission to Finland, aiming to uncover the secrets behind its enviable educational system. This journey was not just about understanding why Finnish students consistently outperform their global counterparts in standardized tests, but also about seeing, beyond the research, the deeper connection between happiness and learning in the context of one of the world's happiest countries.

The Finnish Educational Ethos: Well-being at the Forefront

Finland's educational system places a unique emphasis on the well-being of its students. Unlike the more conventional, test-driven curricula found worldwide, Finnish schools operate on the belief that a “happy” student, one who is engaged, responsible and curious, is a successful student. This philosophy is embedded in every aspect of their educational framework, from shorter school days to minimal homework, allowing students ample leisure time for play, exploration, and rest. This immense care for wellbeing in seen through the want for children to love going to school, which explains their higher happiness rates among children and teens.

During our visit, we observed firsthand the serene and supportive atmosphere prevalent in Finnish schools. Classrooms were not just spaces for learning but environments designed to foster a sense of safety, belonging, and joy. This approach is underpinned by a curriculum that values holistic education, incorporating not only academic subjects but also life skills, creativity, physical education, and mental health awareness. All children get to take woodworking, music, hiking and cooking classes, for example, in facilities that allow them to do more than a cursory introduction. Students get to apply what they learn in math and science to these authentic experiences and see the value of having these skills. Opportunities for student choice and creativity is evident in the high value that's placed on play too, from pre-k through to middle school, students are encouraged to play which offers them authentic experiences to use criticial thinking.

Short School Days, Long-Term Benefits

One of the most striking aspects of the Finnish school system is its shorter school days compared to the global average. Initially, this might seem counterintuitive—how could less time in the classroom lead to better academic outcomes? However, what we learned is that Finnish education is not about the quantity of hours spent studying but the quality of those hours. Teachers in Finland are given the autonomy to tailor lessons to their students' needs, ensuring that each child is engaged, understood, and supported. This personalized approach, combined with the reduced stress of long school days, contributes significantly to student well-being and academic performance. Funny how although the research supports this, so few countries actually apply it.

Happy Students, Higher Performance

The correlation between well-being and academic success was evident in every school we visited. Happy students are more motivated, attentive, and ultimately, more receptive to learning. This positive emotional state activates cognitive functions such as memory and executive functions, enabling better problem-solving and information retention. Finland's emphasis on well-being has not only led to impressive standardized test scores but also to a more profound love for learning among its students. As one superintendent put it, “Our goal was never to be the best in the world, our goal was to ensure all of our children feel successful in their life”. Sometimes, this requires early intervention to ensure that students reach their full potential and this has big impact on overall well being. Finland show their commitment to supporting students with needs through their fluid model of student support and the ongoing progress monitoring that they receive to change levels as needed.

Another piece of high performance is giving student choice. The discussion that happens between teachers, families, and students to create an individualized learning plan for each student starts in the early years and continues right through to high school. The plans aren't for the teachers to follow but are specific goals for each student to achieve by the end of their year. These broad plans last for a school year, though there are other examples of student choice that is given in consistent, small ways to encourage the love of learning. When students are learning to read, they are given a range of choices to encourage their interests and joy of reading. Students in upper years "jigsaw”to become experts on a piece of content to teach to their classmates. They choose their area and then present their expert knowledge to the class, which some 9th grade students we met shared how much they enjoyed working in that way. Choice also came in as students practice writing in a foreign language through choosing a topic for creative writing.

So, now what?

The insights gained from our trip to Finland are refreshing, reminding us that when we consistently apply what the research is telling us, we will get the results.  As School Partners seeks to support teachers and schools in France, the challenge lies in adapting these principles to the diverse contexts of schools who haven’t had the privilege of seeing it in action. It's clear that a one-size-fits-all approach does not exist; however, the core philosophy of focusing on student happiness as a pathway to academic excellence is universally applicable.

In conclusion, our expedition to Finland has reinforced the idea that education systems can and should be inclusive, focused on well-being and give ample opportunities for students to learn authentically (the opposite of using fill-in-the-blank worksheets). School Partners is committed to advocating for and implementing changes that support teachers use of inclusive practices and providing authentic learning experiences.The Finnish example stands as a testament to the profound impact that a well-being-centered educational approach can have on students' lives, encouraging us to rethink and reshape our own educational paradigms for the better.

Jessica Lament and Emilia Pastor are cofounders of School Partners, a boutique non profit organization that provides professional development, instructional coaching, and school leadership coaching for educators in and out of schools in the Paris area.