What is STEM education?
STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It means an educational curriculum or interdisciplinary approach where students receive education on the four important disciplines in a discrete and personal way.
Why study STEM in Finland?
Finland is an outstanding example as far as STEM is concerned. Since the 1970s, the country has reformed its education system based on equity, equal education and resources, effective evaluation as well as well trained teachers. The education system in the country is decentralized as each institution has the autonomy to improve its education. One of the notable qualities of Finland’s education system is STEM. It has become part of their education system. In Finland, STEM is a problem-solving approach and an instructional standard to education.
Since when has STEM education been popular in Finland?
STEM became popular in Finland since the reform of 1970s. Any educational curriculum which included standardized tests was not acceptable. Educators were able to design each school’s curriculum. One aspect that makes the country’s education system stand out is the group work or group effort. Stakeholders in the education sector such as teachers, students, etc. corroborate the idea. Teachers are supposed to meet every week to develop a curriculum for their schools. The same collaborative efforts are seen in STEM.
Where to study STEM in Finland?
The government funds more than ninety percent of schools in Finland. All these schools offer STEM, and you can start from the compulsory basic education. However, if you want to go further, you start from the upper secondary school level. STEM curricula are also available in universities and professional-oriented polytechnics. There is an opportunity for everybody to study STEM. You can even study STEM in an adult education program.
Who are famous Finnish people in STEM?
Finland has produced many famous people. There is no doubt that the flourishing education system significantly has contributed to these people’s success. A few of the famous people from Finland include Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, Jarkko Oikarinen, the creator of Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Arttu Ilmari Virtanen, a chemist who won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry and many other people.
Who are famous in the world because of their achievements in STEM fields?
Many people have contributed in one way or the other to promote STEM. One such notable contributor is Sally Ride whose efforts deserve recognition. She made her greatest impact in 1983 as the first woman in space. As a result, her efforts have paved the way for other women. Sally Ride opened the door for more women to pursue a career in STEM. Another person who is famous because of STEM is Lisa Jackson. Jackson lead the US environmental protection agency. She achieved that position because of her higher degree in chemical engineering. These are just a few example of people who have achieved great things in STEM fields.
How does Finland educate students?
Finland ensures that there is an equitable distribution of resources, and resources are available to those who need them most. The country ensures that teachers are trained and qualified, and there are evaluations on education. Finns have worked for more than thirty-five years since the education reform started in the 1970s to ensure that competent professionals craft the best learning conditions.
The schools are uniformly well equipped. The government takes care of students in basic education by giving them daily meals, free healthcare services, free school supplies, free transportation, as well as counseling in school. These form the foundation of Finnish education system. Schools are free to have their own curriculum. Moreover, there is equity for all and everybody is free to choose the career path that fits them the best.
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