Just recently a TV documentary explored the conundrum. That Finland, a country that has banned homework, is ranked first in the world in educational results.
The implied suggestion for Australia was to ban school homework and improve Australia’s educational standards. Which, as we saw last week, are low in comparison to other OECD countries and continuing to fall. 1
Unfortunately Finland, like Australia, is sliding down the rankings. Whereas, in other countries, where homework is a prominent feature of their educational system, rankings are on the rise. Finland is no longer first ranked country in the world on PISA results, but sixth behind Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea Taiwan, and Japan. Also, homework is not the only difference between Australia and Finland primary education systems.
Homework
It is always dangerous to look for a silver bullet solution to a complex problem, when in most cases the solutions are multi-faceted. Regarding homework, Prof Susan Hallam from the Institute of Education (London) says “there is hard evidence”. That homework really does improve how well pupils achieve. There is no question about that”; she says.
If homework is not the full solution, its impact should be monitored by genuine educational researches in this country. However, there are other more prominent differences between Australia and Finland primary education systems. Which we should also research as to impact.
Teachers at school
Firstly, teaching is a highly respected profession in Finland primary education system. And the teachers’ salaries are far higher comparatively than those paid in Australia. Consequently, the profession attracts the best and brightest. A much more significant difference is that Finland has a one tier school system. It is illegal to set up a private school in Finland. Every students, from the richest to the poorest, the gifted to the average, all attend their local State School.
I welcome your opinion on these differences and the consequences that flow. I can be contacted at rob@mastercoachingaustralia.com or through our website.
Next week we explore differences in other countries.
1 The full OECD 2015 report can be found at http://www.keepeek.com/Digital-Asset- Management/oecd/education/pisa- 2015-results- volume-i_9789264266490- en – page48
See: The Weekender (Page 57)