In a bold move, Finland is set to abolish traditional school subjects such as math, English, biology, and physics by 2020. The Finnish education system has consistently ranked among the top in the world, and now Finnish education experts are calling for a reform that will better equip students with knowledge. Marjo Kyllonen, head of the education authority in Helsinki, explains that many schools still teach in an old-fashioned way that was successful in the 19th century, but no longer meets the needs of today’s students. The new concept, developed by Kyllonen and her colleagues, involves the complete abolition of traditional school subjects and instead focuses on interdisciplinary learning.
The new system, called “phenomenon-based learning,” will allow students to work on events and themes in an interdisciplinary way. For example, when studying World War II, students will not only learn about the historical background, but also geography and psychology. This approach will also allow for the combination of knowledge from different subjects, such as English, economics, and communication skills in role-playing games about the world of work. Initially, traditional school subjects will only be abolished in selected schools and for students over 16 years old. They will have the opportunity to choose projects and topics that interest them, based on their own career plans.
The new system will not only benefit students, but also teachers, who will need to work more collaboratively across subjects. Two-thirds of all teachers in Helsinki have already been specially trained for the new system and will receive a salary increase for teaching in this way. While the new system may seem radical, it is a reflection of the changing needs of students in the 21st century. Finland’s education system has always been forward-thinking, and this latest reform is no exception.
