A Journey of Trust and Wellbeing – Arctic Pedagogy Study Tour in Finland
From the Southern Hemisphere to the Arctic Circle!
We recently had the absolute pleasure of welcoming 15 guests from Australia and New Zealand to experience the magic of Finnish education and winter. Our Arctic Pedagogy Study Tour was designed to be more than just a seminar; it was a full immersion into the Finnish way of life and learning.
The journey began in Rovaniemi, where the group led by Tours for Teachers embraced the spirit of Lapland through snowmobiling, a Northern Lights tour, husky sledding, and a visit to the Arctic Circle to meet the Santa Claus himself. But the true “Finnish baptism” happened on Monday night: a cozy sauna followed by an invigorating ice plunge!
The evening was filled with laughter, new friendships, and personal records in the ice cold water as our guests prepared for the educational program in Oulu designed by Learning Scoop.
Never stop learning
Our journey through the Finnish education system began in Oulu at Myllytulli School, which caters to students from grades 1 to 9. It was truly enlightening to see Finland’s holistic approach to education in action. We are very thankful that the principal, vice principal and a language teacher were present just for us, answering many questions and reflecting their own work. That is invaluable first-hand information.
One of the most powerful takeaways for our group was the core philosophy of the Finnish system: “No dead ends.” In Finland, education is a lifelong journey, designed so that a student—or even an adult—can always continue their studies and reach their goals. During our lecture in the afternoon, we dove deep into the unique cornerstones that make Finnish education world-renowned and explored the secrets behind its global success.
World-class education in the middle of nowhere
Before visiting a rural school of Yli-Ii, we visited a local family and the guests learned firsthand about the history and practices of reindeer husbandry—an essential part of Northern Finnish identity—and even had the chance to feed these iconic Arctic animals.
At Yli-Ii School, we gathered for lunch in the school’s kota, a traditional hut built through the collaborative efforts of the parent community. Despite the freezing temperatures, the energy remained high—some participants even took the opportunity to test their skills on skis right in the school playground, experiencing the typical Finnish school day in its truest winter form.
This school has 200 students in a community of 1500 people far away from the city. The day’s educational focus was on the integration of STEAM subjects and the strength of the school’s special education framework.
One of the most striking observations for our guests was how self-oriented the students are. In the 9th grade, for instance, the traditional “teacher-led” model shifts into something much more flexible. Students have the freedom to choose their own environment—whether it’s a desk in the classroom, a cozy corner in the corridor, or any space where they feel most productive. In this setting, the teacher’s role evolves into that of a facilitator, guiding the process while empowering students to take full ownership of their learning.
The evening provided a shift in pace as the group immersed themselves in local culture at an ice hockey match. What an atmosphere!
Co-teaching makes life easier
On Thursday, we visited Kaakkuri Comprehensive School, which serves students from grades 1 to 9.
Established over 20 years ago, this open plan school accommodates over 800 students and stands out for its innovative educational practices. Featuring open-plan classrooms, a strong emphasis on STEAM and co-teaching , the school provided an inspiring example of how flexible and interactive learning environments can positively impact student success. Teachers who teach together can plan, teach and evaluate together which makes professional life more rewarding and fun!
We were also introduced to the innovative JOPO model—Finland’s Flexible Basic Education program. JOPO isn’t a traditional classroom, nor is it a special education unit; instead, it sits brilliantly in between. It is a specialized concept designed to support students who lack of school motivation and benefit from more flexible model including plenty of on the job learning ensuring that every learner stays engaged and finds their path to success. In the afternoon our expert held a workshop about assessment in Finnish education. The participants shared great examples of assessment methods with each other.
From Forest Floor to the Future of Education
At Timosenkoski Nature School, the visitors learned about The Environmental Programme which is one of Oulu City Strategy’s action plans. Its goal is the preservation of the environment and supporting the city’s vitality. The programme includes four focus areas (Sustainability, Act Resource-Wisely, Strength from Nature, Environmental Responsibility). This Nature School welcomes over 6000 students every year from different schools. For the youngest ones (1st-2nd grades) the aim is to get to know nature, use their senses, feel, taste and have positive experiences in the woods. With older students (3rd-6th grades) they focus on research and studies done outdoors such as at a nearby swamp.
From exploring the surrounding natural environment to activating teaching methods outdoors, everyone had the chance to connect with nature.
The day drew to a close at the University of Oulu with a visit to the Faculty of Education and Psychology. Here, we gained some insights into the world-renowned Finnish teacher education system. The last lecture and final discussions focused on global educational trends. How is the school of the future, what kind of role AI has in education and what kind of trends are hot topic at the moment?
Reflections on the Finnish Education System
We wrapped Arctic Pedagogy Study Tour with a Farewell Dinner. We enjoyed our last evening together, tasted traditional Finnish food and had a feedback session. Learning from each other is the cherry of the cake! He are some comments and reflections heard during the final evening together.
A Positive Approach to Learning
In Finland, flexible basic education is not a punishment; it is a positive opportunity. Unlike in Australia, where similar measures might be viewed negatively, the Finnish approach focuses on finding solutions and staying optimistic. Here, every student is seen as different, yet fundamentally equal. Individual growth and collaborative learning are treated as genuine strengths.
Guidance Over Control
The focus in Finland is on guidance rather than control. The integration of physical activity breaks and shorter school days supports the learning process. This system prioritizes the well-being of not only the students but also the teachers. There is a refreshing lack of hierarchy; when challenges arise, they are shared and solved together as a community.
The Power of Trust
The level of trust in Finnish society is something I didn’t fully grasp until I experienced it. There is a deep-seated respect for students, and you can truly feel that appreciation in the air. This trust extends to the teaching profession as well. In my home country, I haven’t always felt trusted by school leadership, but here, teachers are respected and trusted from day one, regardless of whether they are young or inexperienced.
Finnish Education in Practice: What, Why and How
Authenticity and Equality
It is fascinating to see the diversity of people here and how everyone is equally valued. There is no pressure regarding appearance—clothing, hair, or makeup do not define a student’s worth. Coming from a background where, for example, makeup is banned in schools, this freedom feels significant. Public schools here are outstanding; everything simply works.
Bringing STEAM and Life Skills Home
I am eager to implement these experiences in my own school. While I may not be able to adopt the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) model in its entirety due to resource differences, I will introduce it slowly but surely, piece by piece. I especially value the emphasis on arts and crafts within STEAM. It’s about the “whole child”—ensuring every individual finds their purpose in society in their own capacity.
A Holistic Vision of Well-being
The commitment to education and well-being until the age of 18 is remarkable. My goal is to take these lessons in everyday life skills, mutual respect, and holistic well-being back with me. I want to foster an environment where trust is the foundation, and every student feels cared for and appreciated for who they are.
On behalf of the entire Learning Scoop team, we want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who joined us for the Arctic Pedagogy Study Tour in Finland! It was a true joy to host such an inspiring group, and we are moved by the wonderful feedback we’ve received about the well-designed tour, pedagogically wise structure and taking excellent care of the group. Our greatest hope is that the insights you gained here in Finland will spark new ideas in your vital daily work. We are incredibly grateful for our collaboration with Tours for Teachers and thrilled to see the Finnish pedagogical spirit travel all the way back to the other side of the world!
P.s. How about having a similar experience next year?