With another article published lauding the Estonian education system, we thought it timely to revisit our blog from John Snell which asks, is Estonia offering a model education system?
According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), run by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Estonia has the best best education system in Europe, but what does that mean in practice?
Estonian pupils are expected to be active participants in their learning, rather than ‘passive sponges’ for information. This is a criticism often levelled at the British education system which prioritises learning in order to pass exams
By taking a more holistic method to both teaching and learning, Estonian pupils are exposed to a multi-disciplinary approach, showing the importance of integrating cross-subject skills. These pupils are better prepared for life after education, with employers valuing skills such as problem-solving, digital competence and most importantly critical thinking.
At a time when the British Government is proposing that pupils will be taught about how to spot “putrid conspiracy theories” and fake news as part of a curriculum shake-up, could this be an opportunity to incorporate some other key learnings from Estonia?
Early years education
The importance of early years education cannot be understated. Although British school children start school earlier, there is less emphasis on early years education compared to Estonia. Estonian children are legally entitled to a kindergarten place from 18 months with the focus being on “more than childcare” and balancing play with learning.
Nearly 94% of children aged 4–7 participate in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and for children aged 1.5–3, 81% participate.
Integration across subjects
In Estonia, teachers organise integrated learning experiences from pre-school onwards, supporting children to learn through play. For example, young children may be introduced to the idea of cars and pedestrians, incorporating traffic rules, subitising, counting, colours and more. As such a ‘game’ becomes a tool to teach across a variety of subjects.
Emphasis on lifelong learning
The Estonian emphasis on lifelong learning has led to both high attainment levels and high life satisfaction levels.
The education system has been compared to a tree with different branches to climb and move between for pupils. As anyone knows though, the health of any tree depends on having strong roots.
Teacher autonomy
Many teachers feel restricted by the British curriculum and its focus on gathering knowledge merely to pass exams. Across the UK, 78% of education staff reported being stressed, up on the prior year.
By freeing up teachers to make individual, informed decisions, the government could perhaps address the massive brain drain from the sector and address some of the concerns of teachers still working in education.
How the Open Minds Foundation is supporting with embedding critical thinking across the UK
The Open Minds Foundation has put in place a nationwide primary school programme in the UK to teach the skill of critical thinking in the early years.
Working with Jigsaw Education Group, the Open Minds Foundation reaches children and young people in schools across the UK.
“The implementation of critical thinking resulted in more engaged pupils throughout every lesson, better quality thinking with a joyful and non-threatening approach to making learning feel ‘real’. Ultimately, the children were better skilled at critical thinking and had a better defence against future challenges.”