10/02/2026
In Finland, the education system is often praised for doing things differently, especially when it comes to homework. Finnish students typically receive far less homework than many of their peers around the world. Instead of long hours of assignments after school, the focus is on effective learning during the school day, balanced with plenty of time for rest, play, hobbies, and family life.
Teachers in Finland are highly trained and trusted as professionals, with significant freedom to design lessons that meet their students’ needs. Classrooms emphasize understanding over memorization, collaboration over competition, and curiosity over constant testing. Students also benefit from shorter school days, frequent breaks, and strong support services, including free meals and access to counseling when needed.
This balanced approach appears to pay off. Finnish students regularly perform well in international assessments of reading, math, and science, while also reporting high levels of well-being and relatively low academic stress. Education is seen not just as a path to achievement, but as a foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life.
By valuing childhood, trust, and equality alongside academic success, Finland shows that less pressure and more balance can still lead to excellent results in both learning and happiness.
