Teach Like Finland

1. Finnish education prioritizes well-being and breaks to enhance focus

"Throughout the school year, my Finnish students would, without fail, enter the classroom with a bounce in their steps after a fifteen-minute break."

Frequent breaks boost productivity. Finnish schools incorporate regular 15-minute breaks throughout the day, allowing students to recharge and refocus. This practice has been shown to improve attention spans and overall learning outcomes. Research by Anthony Pellegrini found that students were more attentive after breaks, especially when the timing of the break was not delayed.

Physical activity enhances learning. Finnish schools emphasize movement and outdoor time, even in inclement weather. This approach aligns with research showing that physical activity can:

• Reduce obesity risk
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Enhance cognitive functions like memory and attention
• Positively impact mental health

The "Finnish Schools on the Move" initiative demonstrates how integrating more activity into the school day can increase student engagement and well-being.

2. Building strong relationships fosters belonging and joy in the classroom

"Belonging, by the way, is not just something that we can share with our students—it's also something that, as teachers, we need to experience with other adults, in school and out of school."

Know each child personally. Finnish teachers often stay with the same group of students for multiple years, allowing them to develop deep, trusting relationships. Simple practices that foster connection include:

• Greeting students individually at the door each day
• Eating lunch with students regularly
• Conducting home visits when possible

Create a supportive community. Implement strategies that promote a sense of belonging among students:

• Organize "buddy systems" pairing older and younger students
• Celebrate student learning through presentations and exhibitions
• Pursue shared class goals or projects
• Address bullying promptly and consistently

Teachers should also prioritize their own sense of belonging by cultivating supportive relationships with colleagues and participating in a "welfare team" to discuss classroom needs.

3. Encouraging student autonomy promotes engagement and mastery

"Start with freedom, because it allows me to see what the children are already capable of doing, just like a good pretest."

Trust students with responsibility. Finnish students often commute independently and manage their own time at school. This autonomy develops self-direction and confidence. Teachers can foster autonomy by:

• Allowing students to choose topics or projects within curriculum guidelines
• Providing opportunities for self-directed learning
• Involving students in classroom decision-making and rule-setting

Build in flexibility. Create "margin" in lessons to allow for student questions, unexpected challenges, and individualized support. This approach:

• Accommodates different learning paces
• Allows for deeper exploration of topics
• Provides time for teacher-student conferences and feedback

Implement strategies like "Do Now" activities at the start of class to create smooth transitions and allow for these flexible moments throughout the lesson.

4. Teaching essential content efficiently maximizes learning outcomes

"Keep the good stuff and make it the focus."

Focus on curriculum essentials. With limited instructional time, Finnish teachers prioritize teaching core content efficiently. Strategies include:

• Aligning lessons closely with curriculum objectives
• Using high-quality textbooks as a foundation, while supplementing with engaging activities
• Employing the "workshop model" to balance direct instruction with independent practice

Assess learning effectively. Finnish teachers often create custom assessments that require students to demonstrate deep understanding. Key practices:

• Design open-ended questions that require critical thinking
• Ask students to justify their answers (perustella)
• Discuss grades with students to promote reflection and ownership of learning

This approach develops mastery while maintaining joy in the learning process.

5. Embracing technology thoughtfully supports rather than distracts from learning

"Technology is the only way to dramatically expand access to knowledge. To deliver on the promises technology holds, countries need to invest more effectively and ensure that teachers are at the forefront of designing and implementing this change."

Use technology purposefully. Finnish schools often have less cutting-edge technology than their American counterparts, but use it more effectively. Key principles:

• Integrate technology when it enhances learning, not for its own sake
• Focus on simple, effective tools like document cameras for demonstrations
• Allow students to use personal devices when appropriate, but set clear guidelines

Balance digital and analog learning. Research shows that moderate computer use at school tends to produce better learning outcomes than very frequent use. Maintain a mix of:

• Hands-on activities
• Face-to-face discussions
• Digital research and creation tools

By thoughtfully leveraging technology, teachers can expand learning opportunities without sacrificing engagement or depth of understanding.

6. Collaboration and expert input enrich the teaching experience

"Vision and goals in Finnish schools are often implicit and shared through daily acts of cooperation, rather than just set out in a printed strategic plan."

Foster a collaborative culture. Finnish teachers frequently work together, sharing ideas and resources. Encourage collaboration by:

• Creating informal opportunities to connect, like coffee breaks
• Sharing teaching responsibilities when possible
• Observing and learning from colleagues' lessons

Welcome outside expertise. Invite colleagues, parents, and community members to share their knowledge with your class. This approach:

• Exposes students to diverse perspectives
• Lightens the burden on individual teachers to be experts in every area
• Models lifelong learning for students

Remember that students themselves can be experts in certain areas. Allow them opportunities to teach their peers, fostering engagement and confidence.

7. Cultivating a growth mindset and work-life balance sustains teacher happiness

"The recipe for leading a life of happiness and fulfillment ultimately boils down to weaning oneself away from scarcity orientation, and toward abundance orientation."

Adopt an abundance mindset. Focus on personal growth and collaboration rather than competition with colleagues. This approach:

• Reduces stress and resentment
• Increases job satisfaction
• Improves overall teaching quality

Prioritize work-life balance. Finnish teachers typically maintain clear boundaries between work and personal time. Strategies include:

• Leaving work at school when possible
• Taking true vacations during breaks, disconnecting from work email and tasks
• Engaging in hobbies and interests outside of teaching

Research shows that employees who take full vacations not only report higher job satisfaction but also receive better performance reviews and demonstrate increased creativity and productivity.

By cultivating this mindset and maintaining balance, teachers can sustain their passion for the profession while avoiding burnout, ultimately creating more joyful and effective learning environments for their students.

Last updated: January 24, 2025