Finland

Approach to Teaching Critical Thinking:

• Holistic Education: The Finnish system emphasises a holistic approach, integrating critical thinking into a flexible and student-centered curriculum (Sahlberg, 2011).
• Project-Based Learning: Students participate in interdisciplinary projects, consistent with Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory, which highlights collaborative learning (Vygotsky, 1978).

Academic Rigour and Theory:

• Social Constructivism: Vygotsky’s theory supports the use of collaborative, project-based learning to enhance critical thinking (Vygotsky, 1978).
• Agency and Autonomy: Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (2000) explains how student autonomy and choice in learning contribute to intrinsic motivation and deeper cognitive engagement.

Impact Measurement:

• PISA Scores: Finland’s high performance in PISA assessments reflects effective critical thinking education (OECD, 2019).
• Student Well-Being: High levels of student satisfaction and well-being are reported (Niemi, 2006).

References:

• Sahlberg, P. (2011). Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland? Teachers College Press.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.
• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
• OECD. (2019). PISA 2018 Results: What Students Know and Can Do. OECD Publishing.
• Niemi, H. (2006). Lifelong Learning and Teacher Education in Finland. European Journal of Teacher Education, 29(3), 371-386.