Education Valued at An Early Age in Finland

My frame for ASCD's study trip to Finland was to examine complex issues of teaching, learning, and culture within an early childhood development context. I soon discovered that strong cultural values built on responsibility, trust, and respect for education, schools, and teachers pervade Finnish culture and are evident even in early child development.

On our first full day in Finland, we visited the Ministry of Education and Culture-- responsible for developing education, science, cultural, sport and youth policies, and fostering international cooperation in these important fields. Within the Ministry, the Child Welfare division oversees early childhood development programs. These are the programs Finnish children attend, prior to entering formal education at age seven. (See this PDF for a diagram of Finnish schooling that distinguishes student age and corresponding grade level).

On our visit to an early childhood center, we saw the intersection of the Ministry's educational and cultural agenda in action: Along with other key areas of childhood development, these young children were learning Finnish culture, music, art, and language. Play was a central part of early childhood education in Finland. 

Already, by my second day in Helsinki, it's clear that administrators, teachers and parents are extremely proud of their country. Their ranking as top performers in reading, mathematics and science literacy on the PISA has elevated their educational system to international recognition and prominence. Our visit provided a snapshot of the important and complex connections between parent support, early childhood centers, and strong cultural values that form the foundation for this success.

Post submitted by Harriet Arnold, Associate Professor, University of the Pacific.