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The new school year has begun and so have the trialing of the seventy-five HundrED experiments in schools across Finland with expectations soaring high. I have been fortunate to be a part of the selection process as one of the eleven advisory board members. At the heart of each experiment is the contributing community, the boldness of the people at the schools and the desire to create something new.
The experiments offer a broad selection of everything from new learning environments and mathematic skills to media and meditation, each of which aim to ensure each student is reached. The realization of one’s life story, abilities and passions is key - what kind of life do I want to build for myself and in doing so, how can I support others and give back to my community?
Through the years I have visited over 300 schools and I feel that the most valuable goal is to create a learning environment in which each young person can grow as a human being without the pressures of expectations or limitations. So that each young person could believe in their life story and in what they have to offer.
Too often we find ourselves asking permission on how to be and what to do. When you have that lightbulb moment in your head, it’s easier to put the knowledge you have to use or in the best case scenario you realize that you yourself may be the source of knowledge for someone else. In making this happen, we must provide the learners with the tools they need to express themselves and share their know-how with each other, to network and find collaborators in making dreams a reality. Perhaps idolizing certain role models isn’t the driving force here, but rather the realization that as a community we can provide for one another, as allies, in creating a good life for ourselves.
As a member of the HundrED advisory board, in selecting the 100 Finnish experiments I have been keen to emphasize the meaning of human rights and sex education. These are the basic needs in which a person may be able to consciously establish an identity and respect for others. You need to understand your rights to be able to live by them and help others in doing the same.
We reflect our own culture off the culture of others and learn more about ourselves by learning about other people and their way of living. The development of our social skills is a window of opportunity in engaging with people from all walks of life. Everyone has the right to learn these skills.
The best thing about Finnish schools is that anyone can become anything. Finnish schools allow you to fail and still keep learning. Schools trial bold ideas on a global scale and strive to keep progressing.
All in all, the most important aspect of the educational system is the equitability. Despite the socioeconomic status of a student, children from different backgrounds go to the same schools - this is why we are successful, to have a chance at learning, experiencing and being challenged every single day no matter who you are. These experiences create a bold conception of human beings who have individual paths in life and a value to them as well as the opportunity to change the world for better, together.
I wish you lots of courage for the rest of the school year!
Jani Toivola - a member of Finnish parliament and the HundrED advisory board.
We interviewed Jani Toivola on his educational views. Read the whole interview on the 100 visions page!