MIRACLE OF EDUCATION: the principles and practices of teaching and learning in finnish schools

Finnish pupils’ success in international student assessment tests and the characteristics of the Finnish educational system are the focus of interest all around in the world. The significance of Finnish educational policy and societal atmosphere are continuously discussed. This book provides explanations, answers and reflections to these questions. Over 30 expert authors have contributed to this book by bringing their own specific research-based points of view.

The second edition of the book introduces the new national curriculum for basic education that now provides guidelines for school-based curricula. Students’ learning with engagement and schools as learning communities are core visions of the reform. The authors also reflect on the PISA 2012 results. The book gives an example on how to use PISA information for national improvements. In Finland, all evaluations are enhancement-led and this also includes PISA measurements.

The book illustrates how teaching and learning of different subjects is realized in Finnish schools and describes the essential characteristics and methods of teaching, learning materials and research on these issues.

The book provides important insight and reflections to international researchers, teachers, students, journalists and policy makers, who are interested in teaching and learning in Finnish schools. It shows the results of the systematic and persistent work that has been done on education and schooling in Finland.

The main features of education in Finland are:

• Strong equity policy.


• Teachers as autonomous and reflective academic experts.


• Flexible educational structures and local responsibility for curriculum development.


• Evaluation for improvements, not for ranking.


• No national testing, no inspectorate.


• Research-based teacher education.


• Teachers’ high competence in content knowledge and pedagogy.


• Trust in education and teachers.