I read an article about Finnish students and their attitude toward school. It said that Finnish youths like school a lot less than their peers elsewhere. Even if Finnish school system is one of the best in the world, Finnish teens are not very enthusiastic about school. This article made me wonder if any ordinary teenager really like school, because I think we should question why we spend over six hours a day sitting on the school bench. Of course sitting on the school bench is very important, but still I think that Finnish youth only acts like ordinary teenagers.
But what are the reasons why Finnish teenagers like school even less than other teenagers? There's nothing wrong with the school system, teachers are not that awful and we have shorter schooldays than in many other countries. So what's the problem? Maybe it's the climate. It is so cold and dark and sometimes it might feel overwhelming. That makes us tired and when you're tired, nothing feels interesting. Or maybe it has something to do with the school building. Classrooms with boring white walls aren't the most inspiring learning environment.
It would be interesting to know why teenagers in other countries then like school. Maybe this is the one area that Finland can learn from other countries.
Interesting questions here! I often wonder why this is, too. Our school system is supposed to be among the best in the world, and still students seem to have such negative feelings towards school. Could it also be part of our mentality? Then again, our challenging climate surely has an effect of our mentality up here in the north. Or maybe youngsters in other countries don't really answer questions in surveys truthfully. Maybe they just answer what they think their teachers and parents want to hear whereas the Finnish tradition is usually to say things just as they are - good or bad. What do you think?
VastaaPoistaI guess it is because of the depressing Finnish winter. During this period everyone seems to be less talkative and less motivated. The school itself is not boring or anything bad, but this time of the year makes everything so dark and sad. The interwiev was probably made then! Now when the sun starts shining again everyone is much happier about everything, even going to school! Blaming the Finnish mentality might be a little far-fetched, but maybe I am just in a really positive mood because of the sun outside, that I want to blame only the winter.
VastaaPoista