Finland - Day 2- "Finland 101: Learning Through Experience"

"Be Brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience." - Paulo Coelho

Knowing that there were many promising experiences ahead of me, I awoke on Monday morning with a renewed sense of anticipation and hopefulness. My roommate and I enjoyed breakfast with her professor and coincidentally met two other teachers who were also part of our tour, sitting at a table nearby. This time of conversation, mixed with excitement for the first official day of exploration, made me feel like my two cups of coffee weren't even necessary and my feelings of loneliness began to subside.

After finishing breakfast and grabbing a last cup of liquid energy, we made our way to the lobby where we had been designated to meet the rest of our group. Each of us exchanged quick introductions with one another as we boarded our bus taking us to our first workshop regarding the history of Finland's school system. Our fifteen minute drive brought us to our meeting space for the morning, where we were greeted by our guides who proceeded to lead us through hallways of other shared meeting spaces and offices.

Our workshop began, as so many do, with a "getting to know you" activity. While I tend to be apprehensive about playing these types of games, the time and attention our guides had obviously put into creating it piqued my interest. They took the information provided from our applications, did a little outside research on us as well, and included it in our introductory bingo game. Squares would read: "Find a teacher who lives in the same state as Hollywood. Then, discuss how creativity plays a role in the classroom." While my typical response would be to politely follow the motions of the activity, I found myself excited to participate in meeting my new cohort for the week. In reflecting on this I realized what set this apart from previous "getting to know you" games. There was an intentionality and authenticity that was apparent, due to the thoughtful time and preparation for the activity. This authenticity was something that was apparent throughout the entire trip in each experience provided to us and in each example of the Finnish education system.

When we finished getting to know each other, our Finnish history lesson began. Our presenters gave a thorough and engaging presentation of how the Finnish school system began and how it has progressed to the world-renowned model it is now.

A few highlights from the Finnish school system presentation:

* ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION ARE FREE (except for daycare which is a progressive payment system).

*This has been a 30 + year progression that has been purposefully and collaboratively built since the 1970s.

*Students, Parents, and Teachers are all part of the curriculum development.

*Three Phases of Educational Change:

**1980s - Conception of Knowledge - Empowerment of teachers through knowledge of best practices and methods of teaching

**1990s - Networking and Self-Regulatory Change - determining the values to be focused upon and ways to evaluate

**2000 - Present - Efficiency of the Structures and Administration

*Only 2% of the schools are private (aside from the many private daycares- Ages 1-5)

*Preschool (Age 6), Comprehensive 1st-9th grade: Compulsory (Age 7-16)

*After Comprehensive, it is voluntary to go one of two ways:

**Academic Track - Upper Secondary School (16-19)

**Vocational Track - Vocational School (16-19)

*University or Technical Vocational School follow

*However, students may choose to go an opposite route later, if desired and able to meet the requirements.

*United States average teaching hours are more than twice as many as Finnish average teaching hours.

*"Crafts" are a vital part of schooling (building and creating with one's own hands).

*Emphasis on outdoor experiences and physical activity.

*"Sisu" spirit- (See this article for further understanding)

(Summarized from presentation given by Shirin Kulkarni, 2018)

It is apparent that experience, intentionality, and authenticity are beautifully woven into the culture and school system. Visiting the vocational school in the afternoon gave me a new perspective and greater understanding of this Finnish mindset. What incredible experiences are provided for those who are taking the vocational track! We toured the enormous campus and each area was an example of expertise and pride in the work that each student was accomplishing. From painting and woodwork to large machinery operations and shampoo development, the hands-on experiences and skill development were extraordinary. As our tour came to an end, we were treated to coffee and pastries that were baked by the students in the culinary department of the school. Yet another example of experience, intentionality, and authenticity.

With the first day of our educational tour completed, my roommate and I decided to venture out for our own authentic Tampere experience: sauna. Finland is where saunas originated (as evidenced by its inclusion in Finland's national identity of "Sibelius, Sauna, and Sisu) and we decided to honor this tradition by visiting the oldest working public sauna in Finland. Rajaportin was definitely a unique experience. Our taxi dropped us off near the outskirts of Tampere where only a concrete yellow wall greeted us. We curiously proceeded along the walkway beside the wall until we came upon an opening of what seemed to be a backyard. Giggles of uncertainty were exchanged prior to timidly approaching a concrete walkway winding its way towards another area that looked more like a private residence than a space for the public to experience. Our apprehension was lessened as a women in a towel rounded the corner.

We quickened our step and saw a small window that we crouched down to try to gain information from. "Puhutko Englantia?" (if you remember from my first post- "Do you speak English?") I spoke as confidently as possible, after previous failed attempts the day before. The window clerk's response was brief but promising, "A little bit." We gestured and over-enunciated with one another until we were able to understand that the sauna was 6 euro to enter and the door was surprisingly directly to the left of us. A charming dressing room led directly to a wooden door that opened into a small room with stairs leading to a loft area at the top and a "bucket shower" area below. We made our way to the top loft and stayed as long as our lungs would allow (about 15 minutes) before taking a quick break. Upon our second attempt, we were able to more readily enjoy the relaxation intended when visiting a sauna. Sauna is engrained in the culture of Finland and most homes have a sauna installed, which we were able to see firsthand later in the week. Being able to experience this cultural treasure at a historic location was an opportunity I am thankful for and helped to further my understanding of how it plays a part in the nation's identity.

Our sauna time ended and we decided to journey back to the hotel on foot. While this decision ended up taking an hour and a half (and many wrong turns) longer than our initial taxi ride over, we were surrounded by the many sights around city center, witnessed a beautiful sunset, took WAY too many pictures (who knew that someone could love taking pictures more than me??? #roommatesmadeforeachother), and were unabashedly ecstatic when our hotel was finally in view! After a well-deserved pizza dinner, our good nights were brief and sleep was effortless at the end of a long day of exploration. My second day in Finland was as refreshing and inspiring of an experience, as I had hoped for.