My Perspective

This System Needs To Change!

Dedicated to essiechoi

Truckloads of assignments, projects,spending long hours in school,having multiple tests,exams and memorization of information is expected to help mold students to perform outstanding in international exams,but it isn't. In Nigeria we are using British and American school system and curriculum which seems like the best but actually it is not. In the Program for international students Assessment (PISA),Finland ranked first in maths and science and as at now they are also FIRST in the best educational system in the world,while US is at 20th position,so why can't we learn from the best?.

How is a country like Finland beating US,who is good at almost everything (health, economy,security etc),it's because they've understood the true meaning of EDUCATION. They are doing the exact opposite of what other school systems are doing,that is;
-No standardized testing, until the end of secondary school (high school)
-They spend maximum of six (6) hours in school and school resumes around 9:00-9:30am
-They give less assignments to their students
-They engage in more practical and outdoor classes than just the theoretical aspects.
It looks as if they are pampering students which might make them lazy,but that is not the case,they just care about their students overall well being and in the general exams with other countries like America, they always come first.

Let me start with the first point;No standardized testing, with the burden of tests and exams taken away,they focus on understanding each topic clearly rather than cramming just for tests,exams. There is no "smart" or "dull" student,all of them are treated equally and aren't judged by their grades,since there isn't even any major tests,exams.

They also spend less time in school, they start school later(9:00am) so that students can have enough rest be energized and ready to learn,to be able to pay full attention and not fall asleep during their classes. Studies have shown that students who spend more than nine hours in school have high chance of having anxiety due to stress and lack of sleep. Students often fall asleep in class,some look pale and weak. It's the effect of the long hours spent in school and not getting enough sleep during the night since they're busy doing assignment and studying for tests, though this is a normal experience for students,but if it keeps happening almost everyday, it might have a great toll on the student's overall health and behaviour.

They engage in more practical and outdoor classes than just the theoretical aspects, for better understanding of topics. So, that means less notes,more fun,they make learning fun by going outdoors and learning practically, they aren't confined to the four walls of a classroom.

Isn't it ironical,the countries that uses the stressful school system don't get has much effective result as the country that take everything gently, with less stress are actually getting the BEST RESULTS.

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I'm going to Finland to complete my education who's wants to come along?,but seriously, students studying in Finland don't know how lucky they are,to be in such a wonderful educational system. Some students aren't dull,or stupid they are just in the broken, failing educational system!.

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