Teacher education in Finland: a review of a national effort for preparing teachers for the future

Abstract

The quality of teachers is one of the most frequently cited factors explaining the quality of an education system. This article discusses the nature and role teacher education plays as a part of the Finnish education system. Teacher education in Finland is a highly competitive field of masters' degree university studies and is provided in universities all across the country. Students are selected through two-phase entrance exams which emphasise, in addition to academic qualifications, the candidates' personal suitability and motivation for teacher's work. Elementary-class-teacher education, which is discussed in more detail, includes a strong practical and research orientation. The Finnish school system's approach in responding to the demands of increasing standards is to put a lot of trust in teachers and local education authorities to deliver good outcomes instead of centralised norms and consequential accountability. One Finnish solution is also the extensive learning support system; for example, by special education, which can also be regarded as a challenge for the future with regard to the universally agreed goals of inclusive education.

Keywords:

• teacher training
• competencies
• educational system
• initial teacher education
• student selection
• PISA
• Finland
• inclusive education
• practice teaching

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the Finnish Doctoral Program of Contemporary Asian Studies.