How the Finnish school model works

The Finnish school organizational model (known in the language of public education as MOF) is very specific and has characteristics that make it quite unique in the Western world. The results are astonishing, so much so that it is even being adopted experimentally by some schools in Italy.

How it works

Compulsory education begins at age 7. There is no gap between primary and secondary school, often allowing students to keep the same classmates and teachers, and the curriculum is divided into two parts: the first is the same for everyone, the second is personalized. This choice is tied to the goal of giving students autonomy and responsibility, enabling them to "learn how to learn" and not just rushing toward the usual goal of grades and a good report card.

Classes generally focus on clear objectives and concrete activities: there's a lot of work in class, with guided exercises, projects, and practical work. The idea is simple: less performance anxiety, more focus on method and curiosity.

The first block also includes practical life education, with useful and marketable skills: from collaboration to respecting common rules, to managing everyday aspects, such as home economics.

Homework only at school

Our tasks They are usually held at school, leaving students free in the afternoon for extracurricular activities, friends and family.

It's a choice that reduces inequalities (not everyone has the same space or support at home) and helps protect quality time, which is essential for growth. Furthermore, when learning is concentrated at school, teachers can intervene immediately on difficulties, without allowing them to accumulate.

The evaluation

Compared to Italian and even French schools, grades are much lower, while feedback on learning levels and any difficulties is constant. Mistakes are seen as part of the learning process.

Student well-being

Student well-being is of utmost importance. There are 15-minute breaks every hour for play and relaxation.

Breaks are an integral part of teaching: they help recharge attention and motivation, and make class time more effective. Well-being is also built through welcoming school environments, cooperative relationships, and a climate where students don't view mistakes as a crime.

In this sense, the model Finnish it interacts well with educational approaches that focus on autonomy and responsibility, such as the Montessori Method.

Autonomy of schools and teachers

• In Finland, the autonomy of individual schools and teachers is not a slogan, but a central tenet of the school system.
• The State defines general objectives and skills to be achieved.
• Schools and teachers decide how getting there: methods, times, tools.
• Teachers are considered highly qualified professionals, not performers.
• All teachers have a master's degree, and their selection is very rigorous, with particular attention paid to their expertise in pedagogy, learning psychology, and inclusive teaching. The triangular collaboration between the school, teachers, students, and families is very strong.

Italian schools where the Finnish model has been adopted

The MOF has been adopted by a network of Italian schools, especially through experimental courses supported by institutions such as the Foundation for the School and Compagnia di San Paolo FoundationThe national network today has over 90-96 schools who have joined the project in various Italian regions.

These are some of the schools that have joined the Finnish model:

• Urbania (PU): the school of the "Della Rovere" Comprehensive Institute it was the first in Italy to adopt the Finnish model, in a version designed by Antonella Accili.
• Turin and metropolitan area: several primary and secondary schools have joined the experiment as part of the “City of Education” project.
  • IC Aldo Palazzeschi
  • IC Ilaria Alpi
  • IC Leonardo da Vinci – Anne Frank
  • IIS Gobetti Marchesini Casale Arduino
  • ITTS Carlo Grassi
  • Other secondary schools
• GenoVa: institutes such as the IC Nicolò Barabino and the IT Nautico San Giorgio apply the MOF.
• Vercelli and Savona: here are schools that have started the experiment.
• MilanThe Simona Giorgi Comprehensive Institute has begun training courses and is preparing to experiment with the Finnish model.

Read also:

• Home economics taught in school
• Savings School: Just a few kilometers from Catania, you can learn how to become a champion of the Earth.
• The Montessori Method: What It Consists of and What Are Its Benefits?