Posts by heidi-riikonen
A Tactile Response to an Increasingly Visual World
Stress toys have become increasingly common in children’s homes, particularly after gaining popularity on social media. They are also making their way into classrooms and becoming part of everyday school life. Finnish toy and play researcher Katariina Heljakka suggests that the popularity of these tactile objects may reflect a growing need for sensory experiences in…
Read MoreBeyond PISA: What Really Matters in Finnish Education?
The latest PISA 2025 results have generated extensive international discussion, including within Finland. But perhaps the most interesting questions are not about rankings. They are about what schools should prepare children and young people for. How can we inspire children to read in a world dominated by smart devices and short videos? How should schools…
Read MoreLearning Across Borders: Insights from Comprehensive Education Study Tour in Finnish Schools
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming an international group of education professionals from Malta, the United States, Romania and India to Finland. During their study tour, our guests visited five different educational institutions, ranging from early childhood education to lower secondary school. In addition to school visits, the week included expert lectures and…
Read MoreFinnish Professor Calls for Smarter Use of AI in Education
In education, completing assignments and writing texts are part of everyday life. They also play an important role in developing what are often referred to as basic skills. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly common in education, many of these tasks might become easier for students. But what happens to learning when we outsource some of…
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