Insight into Science Education in Finland

CfSCMerike Kesler

17.9.2007 in York

Characteristics of Finland• Small populationpopulation density 16 inh. per km²• Nature, environment and forest industry

Turkey 91South Korea 492

forest tool 60 years ago forest tool today

Characteristics of Finland• LEARNING IN NATURE• Field education and field works- compulsory in basic education in all forms

Science education and teachingBROAD SENSE

• scientific knowledge• critical and rational thinking• skills for future development

All subjects

Basis for full life

NARROW SENSE

• physical sciences• life sciences• mathematics• computer science and technology

Basis for science literacy

Teacher training• Higher university education – Master's degree• Science Educators- class teacher (forms 1-6)- subject teacher (forms 7-9 and secondary education)

The Faculty of Behavioural Science

Teacher Training Schools Subject departments

Teacher training

• Work networks after graduating- meeting place for exchange of ideas, materials and

experiences- co-operation- interaction between colleagues which promotes interest

and enthusiasm- continuing professional development

* Association for teachersbiology and geography

* Association for teachersphysics, chemistry and mathematics

95% of all teachers

Informal science education• Role of out-of-schools science

education organisations- to get positive contacts in science- to increase children’s interest and

teacher willingness to teach science

- links between school science and everyday science

Children and young peoplehave a right to variedhobbies and interests

Science clubs and campsprovide activities for children

within a safe andprofessional environment

Problems and views in future• Problem Next decade the amount of inhabitants over 65 years is

increased by 50 %

• Views- Young people into working life sooner- Shorter studying times- The amount of knowledge increases

Problems and views in future

• where was the knowledge produced• by whom• for what purpose• what will be the potential consequences for the

surrounding society at large

www.yle.fi

Problems and views in future• Solution- new subject for basic educationSCIENTIFIC MEDIA EDUCATION- science education must be more and more

integrated in other subjects

Kiitos!Thank You for You Attention!