Despite its reputation as having one of the world's best education systems, Finland has launched a new round of education reform to keep up with the needs of the modern era, says Finland's Ambassador to Thailand Satu Suikkari-Kleven.
Besides making sure that learning must be fun and motivational for students, the new curriculum introduces phenomenon-based learning to allow children to gain the skills of critical thinking and complex problem-solving, she said.
"A few times a year there are periods when students don't study subject by subject but instead focus on phenomena such as climate change. Students were given a task to find out how climate change will affect Finnish agriculture. They have to look from different sources, discuss, gather information, and incorporate multiple skills in their learning," she said.
Each topic will be explored over a few weeks, she said.
Finland realised the world, technology, and expectations of the workforce are changing. "Jobs will require multiple skills, so there is a need to cope with the changing world," she said.
She cited information presented in last year's World Economic Forum on the top 10 skills that will be needed in 2020, which emphasised the need to instill problem solving and critical thinking.
Finland underwent big reforms in the 1970s when the system was changed to a comprehensive school system to "further ensure equal opportunity in education".
She said Finnish education also encourages freedom of expression. In schools, students are encouraged to have their own opinion, and express their views.
She added this is linked to innovative thinking and innovation.
"It is natural to have different views, and it is important [that children] can exchange those views freely. Much research has pointed out that countries which have the highest level of freedom of expression also have the highest level of innovation.
"To be innovative you have to challenge and question. Back then there weren't many challenges, but that has changed and people are encouraged to think in their own way, and express their opinion.
"It is important for a child's self-esteem if they have someone to listen to them and respect them for their views.''
While students are at the centre of education and the system must ensure they enjoy learning, teachers are also key.
Rigorous teacher training is a basis for the success of the Finnish education system.
To become a teacher, prospects must complete a five-year university course, which lays the foundation for effective pedagogy and knowledge of their subject.
Finland and Thailand have been discussing further cooperation in teachers' training, she said.
In Finland, teaching is a popular and respected profession. Teaching duties typically comprise 16-24 weekly 45-minute lessons.
Teachers are not obliged to be at school on days they have no teaching duties. They are also autonomous in their work. It is a system that is based on trust.
"We have to be confident teacher training and teacher education are strong. The government puts lots of trust in the teacher.
The government only gives them the basic framework on curriculum, but it is up to the school and the teachers to decide what they do with it,'' she said.
Teachers also have a network where teachers from different schools meet and discuss the issues. "Instead of thinking about other schools as competitors, they come together to share information and experiences about what has functioned and what has not. This helps everybody develop," said the ambassador.
Above all, for everybody to gain access to quality education, the public must support education. The school system in Finland is publicly funded.
This is made possible by high, progressive taxation which is supported by the people.
"Finnish people always complain about taxes, but we think it is better to have high taxes than to not have equal education for all.
People, despite the odd complaint about tax, realise the value and importance of a good education system that is available to all,'' said Ms Suikkari-Kleven.