An expert group working under the leadership of the Finnish education ministry has published its vision of what Finland's schools should look like in 2045.
Under the title, "Comprehensive Schools 2045: The vision for life", the report outlines the importance of teaching the children of the future to work together for a better world.
"The task of comprehensive schools is to increase competence and the willingness to use knowledge to advance the common good. Sound knowledge and basic skills are combined with ethical, social and flexible thinking skills, as well as the ability to guide one’s own learning," the report states.
Significant challenges
The panel was established by the education ministry as concerns grow in Finland about declining PISA results, growing disparities in the classroom, and increased mental health issues among young people.
In addition to the above, the working group noted that the climate crisis as well as technological advancements will also bring significant challenges to education institutions of the future.
To meet these challenges, it proposes fostering a deeper link between learning and wellbeing in the classrooms of 2045, while also encouraging schools to build stronger connections with parents.
"The aim is the psychological, social and physical wellbeing of the entire school community, which also sustains schoolchildren’s wellbeing," the report notes.
With the advent of AI a growing point of discussion, the group urged schools to embrace technology, rather than reject it.
"Technology can be used to deepen human interaction and to enable better guidance, learning that is more equal, and knowledge-based leadership," the report stated.
Working together
In a press release, Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) described Finland's schools as "the most important institution for the future of society".
"There is no need to reinvent comprehensive school, but it needs to be updated to meet today's requirements and challenges," Adlercreutz wrote.
"The vision takes a strong stand on the fact that, in the midst of the changed operating environment, there is an increasing demand to reinforce not only basic skills but also our ability to work together," he added.
The committee compiled its vision over the course of two years, drawing on the views of over 5,000 people in Finland as well as on the findings of Finnish and international research.
