Finland is known for it's successful education system. Robinson suggests reasons why Finland is so successful:
- little to no emphasis on standardized tests
- broad approach to education, including humanities, physical education, art...
- support for individuals in trouble so they don't drop out
- value individuality
- value teachers and seek to support them through means of professional development, investment
- place responsibility in individual schools rather than federal/state government to get the job done
America spends lots of money on education, but Robinson suggests that it's going the wrong direction. What can we do to get it back on track? Is Finland right? I certainly think they are on to something. Standardized tests aren't important in the real world, but curiosity and creativity when combined with knowledge of math and science could bring about drastic changes for the world.
Citation
Robinson, Ken. "Ken Robinson:How to Escape Education's Death Valley." Ted.com. Ted Conferences, May 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.
I think this Ted Video gets right down to the point. I myself think that Finland is on the right track as well. I think here in America we put way to much pressure on grades, and standardized tests. Yet we do not put enough emphasis on individuality and creativity. Yes Math and Science classes are important but they way we teach them is not. By saying here is this material learn it, memorize it, and regurgitate on a test is not the right way to do it. Students cram for these tests then forget the information after the test.I think the American system should take a step back and look at Finland, and try to educate our students that way. Somehow I feel that this won't happen because America is to stuck up in their testing ways, and pushing children through the education system. What do you think? Will our system ever change?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hailey I've heard about Finland's educational system and I think it makes perfect sense. I for one don't think America's educational system won't change even though students are competing on a global level for job opportunities. If we ever did reform America's educational system Finland's system is what we should model it by. Just out of curiosity where was the US ranked in best to worst education systems?
ReplyDeleteSam, we are ranked 14 out of the 35 countries considered in this study (http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2010/dec/07/world-education-rankings-maths-science-reading). South Korea is first, Finland second, and Canada third.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult for me to say whether or not the system will change because I've really only been aware/concerned about the education system for a short time. I certainly believe there is a need for change, as do many I believe. I am just not certain why it isn't changing. There doesn't seem to be a lack of funds, and there doesn't seem to be a number of people opposed. Maybe it is changing and we just don't see it yet.
When you ask what we can do to get our education system back on track, I think maybe we can start by following in Finland's footsteps. I think it's smart that the education system there actually values individuality of the students, as well as not primarily focusing on standardized testing. I really like where you said "...curiosity and creativity when combined with knowledge of math and science could bring about drastic changes for the world." I completely agree with this statement and I think you worded it very well. Personally, I think Finland is definitely on the right track. For the reasons you gave, it makes sense that Finland is known for their successful education system.
ReplyDelete