Pasi Sahlberg

A lot of American school reformers have gotten very excited about Finland as the low-key, high-achieving answer to our problems, and I wanted to go to the source. The source turned out to be more academic than I wanted, so I didn't read it cover-to-cover. I'm so glad all the research and data has been documented, but it doesn't help me make any improvements to my school. Of course, Sahlberg's answer to Americans who want to reform our educational system the Finnish way seemed to be, "you have to change American culture first. Our schools work because our society cares about cooperation and giving everyone an equal shot, which is pretty much the opposite of you guys. So fix that, and then we'll talk." Which is fair, and kind of hilarious.… (más)

Finnish Lessons provides inspiration and encouragement to teachers and administrators who are thinking about education in the digital age, when information traditionally relayed in the classroom is instantly accessible. Some of the genius of Finnish education (a "revolution" that began after WWII and is now seeing the fruits of policies instated in 1970) is in treating teachers as researchers into their own practices. On p. 140, Sahlberg writes, " The Big Dream for the future of Finnish education should be something like this: Create a community of learners that provides the conditions that allow all young people to discover their talent." He envisions that "less time will be allotted to conventional subjects, such as mother tongue, mathematics, and science, and more time for integrated themes, projects, and activities" (141). Sahlberg argues that "What most people in the future will need that they are not likely to learn anywhere else is real problem-solving in cooperation with other people" (142). A successful school will take all students and teachers "further in their development than they could have gone by themselves" (143).

A worthwhile read for teachers, parents, all.… (más)

Finnish Lessons provides inspiration and encouragement to teachers and administrators who are thinking about education in the digital age, when information traditionally relayed in the classroom is instantly accessible. Some of the genius of Finnish education (a "revolution" that began after WWII and is now seeing the fruits of policies instated in 1970) is in treating teachers as researchers into their own practices. On p. 140, Sahlberg writes, " The Big Dream for the future of Finnish education should be something like this: Create a community of learners that provides the conditions that allow all young people to discover their talent." He envisions that "less time will be allotted to conventional subjects, such as mother tongue, mathematics, and science, and more time for integrated themes, projects, and activities" (141). Sahlberg argues that "What most people in the future will need that they are not likely to learn anywhere else is real problem-solving in cooperation with other people" (142). A successful school will take all students and teachers "further in their development than they could have gone by themselves" (143).

A worthwhile read for teachers, parents, all.… (más)