Finnish education focuses on holistic well-being and active learning

Educational approaches in Finland are increasingly focusing on holistic well-being, physical activity, and personalized learning strategies to support students with diverse needs.

Special education teacher Risto Härkönen emphasizes the importance of building trust with students and parents. He highlights that finding individual learning methods, such as using music to teach reading, can spark motivation in students struggling with traditional academic tasks. Härkönen notes that addressing life management issues, such as sleep and daily rhythms, is as crucial as addressing learning difficulties.

On a systemic level, there is a growing movement toward active school days. This includes promoting physical activity, encouraging walking or cycling to school, and implementing mobile learning methods. Recent data from South Ostrobothnia showed concerning levels of physical activity among 5th and 8th graders, prompting a focus on wellness.

A new basic education law effective this August mandates that pre-primary and basic education promote an active lifestyle. Furthermore, starting in 2029, the Finnish matriculation examination will expand to include visual arts, physical education, and music, recognizing diverse forms of competence beyond traditional textbook knowledge.