Student-teachers from SUNY Oneonta, US in Finland

It was our privilege to welcome 3rd batch of student-teachers from SUNY Oneonta, US to Tampere Finland last week. Our collaboration has started in 2023 and once again we were happy to organize a study abroad program for enthusiastic future teachers. The group was led by two faculty members from School of Education, SUNY Oneonta.

Teacher autonomy, independent students and active pedagogy

On the first day of our study tour, we visited Harjuniitty Comprehensive School in Nokia, which serves students from grades 1 to 9. We began our day by learning key facts about Finland and its education system. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to attend several English lessons and explore the school’s handicrafts, visual arts, and home economics classes. These experiences were also guided by the school’s own students, who proved to be both enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors and hosts.

Participants of this study abroad program were particularly impressed by the students’ excellent English skills and the strong sense of trust placed in them by the school community. We also had the opportunity to experience Finnish school meals – provided free of charge to all students – by enjoying lunch in the school cafeteria.

The evening was spent outdoors as we explored Finnish forest, fauna and found some edibles during a hike, too. Some team building activities, fire making and yard games were organized by Patrick from Seventen Tours. Thank you for a great evening together – Finnish Nature Experience is very much liked among our visitors!

Next day we visited a forest group Luhtaröllit at Kurikankulma daycare center. We started the morning by participating in a music session, explored the daycare facilities, and spent the morning with the group in the forest. The children built huts, climbed, explored insects, played freely, and also had a warm lunch during the trip.

Student-teachers admired how the outdoor activities are carried out regardless of the weather. They were impressed by the children’s well-managed free and independent play, which the adults mostly observed and supervised from the sidelines, guiding the children’s activities only when necessary. We discussed the trust evident in Finnish daycare centers and schools between adults and children, as well as the children’s independence and ability to take responsibility for their own actions.

Let´s come together!

On Thursday, students from USA were hosted by Student Society Mentor and they visited Tampere University to learn about what studying and student life are like from a local point of view. Mentor´s members are studying in the degree program of Lifelong Learning and Education.

The discussions particularly focused on freedom, independence, and the financial support available to students, which provided perspective on everyone’s daily lives. After the conversations, we toured the campus a bit and, finally, played the Finnish outdoor game, Mölkky and mingled. It is always rewarding to meet other students from different countries and systems!

And what would be a better way to wrap up the day as Finnish Sauna Experience? Everyone challenged themselves and dipped in a cold lake, some of the participants even had a longer swim! The heat in Sauna was nearly 100 degrees of Celsius (that is 212 in Fahrenheit) and it feels heavenly afterwards. We ended up having a lovely sunny evening which made the picnic outdoors enjoyable.

Supervision is less strict, reflecting a culture of trust and safety

On the final day of our study tour, we visited Vähäjärvi Comprehensive School, where we had the opportunity to observe lessons in physics, music, English, mathematics, and Finnish for students in grades 7 to 9.

During the music class, the guests enjoyed live performances by the students, while the Finnish language lesson offered a chance to explore compound words in Finnish. They were particularly impressed by the school’s modern facilities, including its spacious and well-designed learning environments.

This group also appreciated the emphasis on group work during lessons, which they felt fostered strong collaboration skills among students. Another highlight was the effective use of digital tools by teachers to display learning materials on the screens, ensuring that all students could easily engage with the content. These tools were seen as effective in supporting students’ focus and encouraging independent learning.

Takeaways from the trip

To conclude the visit, we spent time reflecting on the week’s experiences and shared insights about what we had learned throughout the tour.

Reflections and feedback:

• It was fascinating to learn that Finnish schools have 15-minute breaks after every 45-minute lesson, allowing students to relax and recharge.
• The level of professional autonomy granted to teachers was impressive. Teachers have significant freedom in how they organize their teaching, with minimal interference from principals or parents.
• It was surprising to discover that there are no school buses. Instead, children travel to school mostly independently. This fosters independence from a young age.
• Collaboration is seen as a given in Finnish education – not whether students collaborate, but how they do it. Group work is integrated into lessons from an early age, helping students develop strong teamwork and social skills.
• The connection to nature is deeply rooted. Not only through studying outdoors but also by incorporating nature themes into classroom learning.
• Spending time in nature during the school day is more relaxed in Finland compared to the U.S. It is seen as a natural part of everyday life and a fundamental right for everyone.
• Supervision is less strict, reflecting a culture of trust and safety.
• Teachers and their education programs are highly respected in Finland and there is a strong culture of trust toward teachers.
• Teachers are not held accountable in a rigid, top-down way, but they are deeply responsible and operate with a high degree of independence.

Ideas US teacher students wish to incorporate into their own teaching:

• Using stuffed animals and colors as tools for emotional learning, an approach inspired by the practices of the forest group Luhtaröllit at Kurikankulma Day Care Centre
• Incorporating visual tools, such as projecting materials on the screen, to help students focus and support independent learning.
• Spending more time in nature with students.

We would like to thank this lovely group for a memorable week together! We hope this study abroad program, Finnish education model and cultural experiences have enriched your lives. All the best for your future job as educators and teachers – one of the most important jobs in the World!

Are you interested in learning more about study abroad program options? Please contact us, we would be happy to co-create!