How to Teach Like Finland: 8 Key Principles to Transform Your Classroom

How to Teach Like They Do in Finland: Insights from the World’s Top Education System

If you've ever wondered what makes Finland’s education system so successful, you're not alone. Educators, policymakers, and researchers around the world have long been fascinated by Finland’s ability to consistently rank at the top in global education rankings, despite its relatively small size and modest resources. One thing is clear: Finland’s educational success isn’t by accident, but rather a result of intentional strategies, trust in teachers, and a focus on holistic development.

So, how can we, as educators, apply Finnish teaching practices to our own classrooms? While we may not have the exact same resources or cultural context, there are key principles from Finland’s education system that can revolutionize how we teach and support our students. Here are some ways to incorporate these strategies into your own classroom to foster a better learning environment for all students.

1. Trust Teachers to Lead the Classroom

In Finland, teachers are highly respected professionals. They are given autonomy in their classrooms and are trusted to design their own curricula, adapt teaching methods, and determine assessments based on what they believe will best meet the needs of their students.

How to Apply This: As an educator, you should be given the space to bring your unique strengths into your teaching style. This doesn’t mean abandoning standards or expectations, but rather fostering creativity in lesson plans and assessments. Trust your professional expertise and understand that your experience allows you to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of your students.

2. Focus on Equity, Not Just Excellence

In Finland, every student, regardless of their socioeconomic background or abilities, is given equal access to high-quality education. The idea is to help every student reach their full potential, not just the high achievers. There is no tracking or separating students based on academic ability until after the age of 16, ensuring that all students have access to the same resources, opportunities, and support.

How to Apply This: In your classroom, create an environment that nurtures the growth of every student, not just those who excel academically. This means differentiating instruction, offering support for students with special needs, and making accommodations for English language learners. When we focus on equity, we give all students the tools they need to succeed.

3. Less Testing, More Learning

Finland is known for its minimal reliance on standardized testing. Students are not subjected to high-stakes exams until the very end of their education. Instead, teachers regularly assess students through formative methods, such as projects, assignments, and discussions, that provide a more holistic understanding of their progress.

How to Apply This: While testing is often an inevitable part of our educational system, you can reduce the emphasis on high-stakes tests and prioritize ongoing, formative assessments that encourage deep learning. Focus on giving students regular feedback that helps them grow rather than teaching to the test. You can also incorporate project-based learning or peer evaluations that allow students to demonstrate their understanding in creative ways.

4. Holistic Approach to Education

Finland’s education system is designed to nurture the whole child, not just their academic abilities. The system places a strong emphasis on student well-being, social-emotional learning, and even recess. Students spend a significant portion of their school day outdoors, engaging in physical activities and fostering a balance between mental and physical health.

How to Apply This: In your classroom, focus on creating a supportive environment where students feel safe, valued, and emotionally supported. Incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) into your curriculum by teaching students about empathy, self-regulation, and resilience. Also, make time for movement throughout the day—whether it’s a short break to stretch, walk around, or engage in an outdoor activity. Supporting students’ mental health is just as crucial as teaching them content.

5. Encourage Collaboration, Not Competition

In Finland, there is less emphasis on competition among students. Instead, collaboration is encouraged, with students working together on group projects and helping one another. The idea is that learning is a community effort, and by supporting each other, students can reach their potential together.

How to Apply This: Foster a collaborative environment in your classroom where students work together rather than against each other. Group projects, peer teaching, and cooperative learning strategies can help students develop social and academic skills. Make it clear that learning is about growth, not just grades, and that everyone’s unique contributions are valuable.

6. Give Students Agency and Responsibility

Finnish students are given a considerable amount of autonomy over their learning. They have more say in their education, with opportunities to select courses, projects, and even suggest ways to solve problems. This autonomy fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and motivates students to take responsibility for their education.

How to Apply This: In your classroom, give students a voice in their learning process. This could mean allowing them to choose topics for projects, offering options for how they demonstrate their learning, or encouraging student-led discussions. When students feel that their input matters, they are more likely to engage actively in their education and take responsibility for their progress.

7. Provide Support for All Teachers

Teachers in Finland receive a great deal of support, both in terms of professional development and collaboration with colleagues. Regular opportunities for collaboration and reflection with other teachers ensure that educators have the tools and community they need to succeed.

How to Apply This: As educators, we need support from our colleagues, school leaders, and the community. Seek out professional development opportunities, join or create teacher collaboration groups, and engage in peer observations to learn from one another. A strong teaching community can help you grow professionally and give you the support you need to thrive in the classroom.

8. Prioritize Quality over Quantity

Finnish students have shorter school days, with less homework and fewer hours in the classroom than their peers in other countries. The focus is on ensuring that students engage deeply with the material during their time at school, rather than spending long hours completing assignments and sitting through extended classes.

How to Apply This: Quality instruction is more effective than quantity. Streamline your lesson plans to focus on the most important concepts, and avoid overwhelming students with excessive homework. Prioritize engaging activities that allow students to explore the material in-depth, and give them time to reflect and absorb the content.

Conclusion: A Mindset Shift for Educators

Teaching like they do in Finland isn’t about simply adopting a set of strategies; it’s about shifting our mindset toward what truly matters in education: the well-being and growth of every student. It’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and motivated to reach their full potential, and where teachers have the trust, autonomy, and resources they need to succeed.

While we may face challenges in adapting these practices to our specific context, adopting a Finnish-inspired approach to teaching can help us foster an education system that focuses on equity, creativity, and the development of well-rounded, lifelong learners.

By embracing these principles, we can help make our schools places where both students and teachers thrive—just like they do in Finland.