Recently, I read a book called 沒有資優班 written by a Taiwan mum (Yolanda Chen). It is compenhensive about education system in Finland.
I think the major problem here in Hong Kong is the obstruction/ interference from the government. In Finland, teachers are respected and have freedom to teach. They will design programme according to the need of the students.
Many issues mentioned in the book indeed can be borrowed.
The most impressive part about Finland education system is that they really can provide quality education on an equal basis. Every kid, no matter what his background is, can receive good education. They are provided with good quality textbooks, transport from remote area, and even lunch, completely out of government funds.
Most parents' attitide here in Hong Kong is that the majority want their kid to learn faster than the others. This is very different from those in Finland. They suggest "No one left behind". The end result of Finland education system is encouraging. Parents here should think or re-think whether this approach works.
In today's Metro, the columnist highlighted the differences in teacher's training and social status in Finland compared to that in other countries (western countries included). I reckon it may be the most important element in the formula. Can you imagine that a teacher aspiring to be a subject specialist needs to complete a five-year course and a master's degree?
I recalled Principal Lau of CKY had noted that only the 'best' students would, and could, pursue a teaching career. And a teacher in Finland commands much respect and honor too. I doubt it would happen in HK in the near term as it involves an overhaul of social values.
Anyway, I agree that certain references to best practices in Finland can be made for HK purpose.
Even the Government doesn't interference the teachers, the parents do as Hong Kong is now "顧客"至上!
原帖由 cherubic 於 09-2-4 11:58 PM 發表
... I think the major problem here in Hong Kong is the obstruction/ interference from the government. In Finland, teachers are respected and have freedom to teach. They will design programme according to the need of the students. ...
I read a book about Finland education too. Their parents don't mind the teaching progress of the class. The teachers teach the students to respect each other and they will only continue until all of the students can be able to follow each step. How about Hong Kong? The teachers cannot do so because of the syllabus! The teachers even don't have enough time for teaching the average students. How can the teachers ask the whole class to wait for the weak students?
原帖由 cherubic 於 09-2-5 01:00 PM 發表
...
Most parents' attitide here in Hong Kong is that the majority want their kid to learn faster than the others. This is very different from those in Finland. They suggest "No one left behind". The end result of Finland education system is encouraging. Parents here should think or re-think whether this approach works.
I totally agree with this point. In one way or another, we are trying to put our kid in better school which employs teachers with higher qualification. However it's done at a price. We no longer enjoy free education.
One thing our government can borrow from Finland is to encourage kids to develop reading habit.
原帖由 papa_pop 於 09-2-5 14:36 發表
In today's Metro, the columnist highlighted the differences in teacher's training and social status in Finland compared to that in other countries (western countries included). I reckon it may be the ...