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…

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Beyond 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…

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Learning 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…

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Finnish 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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Empowering Moldovan Educators with Student‑Centred Pedagogy

This spring marked an inspiring milestone for Learning Scoop as we launched our new project funded by United Nations Development Programme Moldova: dedicated to strengthening student-centred pedagogy in Moldova. The Project, Development and implementation of Training of Trainers on contemporary student‑centred teaching and learning methods to facilitate students’ autonomous motivation and the development of 21st century…

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Innovative Approaches to Increasing Physical Activity Among Youth in Finland

Schools across Finland are adopting creative strategies to promote physical activity among students as part of the school day. At HaukipudasUpper Secondary School in Oulu, Finland, mathematics lessons are combined with physical activity. Students alternate between solving equations and performing lunges or calculating probabilities and engaging in arm rotations. This pedagogical model is currently being…

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Transforming Pre-Service Teacher Education in Liberia: A Journey of Co-Creation and Reform

The quality of an education system never exceeds the quality of its teachers. In Liberia, a historic pre-service teacher education reform in Liberia is underway to ensure that every classroom is led by a qualified, motivated, and highly skilled professional. Through the Technical Assistance Package (TA1), delivered under the Regional Teachers’ Initiative for Africa (RTIA) and coordinated…

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Outdoor Recess and Unstructured Play in Finnish Primary Schools

In Finland, students typically enjoy a 15-minute recess after every 45-minute lesson. This means they receive multiple breaks throughout the day, not just one long lunch break. Many primary schools also include a longer recess or lunch period (30–60 minutes) to allow time for eating and play. Research shows that regular recess breaks improve students’…

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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…

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