Finnish teaching methods 'boost learning potential'

Finnish teaching methods 'boost learning potential'

"Without making themselves the centre of attention by lecturing and barking instructions, teachers are able to increase their pupils' learning potential" (Bangkok Post file photo)

Many teachers upcountry are shedding their pedagogue approach as Thailand seeks to emulate education methods in Finland that focus on creating a happy atmosphere in schools.

"They're increasingly acting as coaches or facilitators of learning," Sutthiphong Chuncharoen, director-general of the Local Administration Department under the Ministry of Interior, told a workshop on Finnish teaching methods.

The workshop was attended by teachers from 14 southern provinces yesterday.

They were among public school teachers nationwide taking part in a series of workshops organised by the Local Administration Department to improve their teaching style by applying Finnish principles.

The Interior Ministry and Office of the Education Council introduced the workshops late last year. In the fourth, three teachers from Vihti in Finland yesterday shared techniques with counterparts from the South.

Mr Sutthipong said he has already seen positive changes in local schools. Students are becoming happier and more inquisitive as their teachers emerge from workshops with a less strict and intimidating approach focused more on coaching.

"Without making themselves the centre of attention by lecturing and barking instructions, teachers are able to increase their pupils' learning potential," he said.

Students are happier, less pressured, and have more courage to ask questions and express opinions, which are rare traits in Thai classrooms, Mr Sutthiphong said.

"The key to Finnish teaching is it's quite flexible," he observed, saying local schools are adjusting their teaching to suit different groups of students.

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