Persistent Work for Equity and Lifelong Learning in the Finnish Educational System

Abstract

The article introduces how the Finnish educational system has been moved systematically towards equal opportunities for all learners. It also describes how principles of equity and lifelong learning are tied together and what consequences this has had on teachers’ professional role. Finally, the article reflects on what kind of studies and practices in TE are strengthening teachers’ high professional role. Major factors that have a big influence on teachers’ leadership role in the Finnish system are the following: teachers’ responsibility to actively contribute to a local school-based curriculum and professional freedom to select teaching methods and learning materials, as well as an evaluation policy that allows teachers to use a rich variety of assessment methods to support students’ learning. An important condition for this kind of professional autonomy is high-quality teacher education that provides teachers with good basic skills and that supports their professional development towards a reflective practitioner’s role.