DOMAIN D LITERATURE REVIEW-FINLAND SUPPORT OF PLC

Literature Review: Finland

Courtney Burnett
TED 690
Professor Johnson

DOMAIN D LITERATURE REVIEW-FINLAND SUPPORT OF PLC

Abstract
The following literature review is based on the country of Finland and how
successful they are in terms of teacher professional development and how well the
country responds to student learning. The article describes the country in terms of
how well it promotes these two aspects of their educational practices. This article
relates to the importance of professional development in terms of instructional
planning found in the TPE Domain D of my PDQP.

DOMAIN D LITERATURE REVIEW-FINLAND SUPPORT OF PLC

Throughout the course of this program, I have studied many educational
practices around the world. One country that came up again and again as a
successful country to follow in terms of academic implementation is Finland. The
practices of Finland are at the top of the world in term of PISA scores and teacher
preparation. Thinking about TPE 9 and how it describes instructional planning, the
first country I considered to view was Finland. What must they be doing correctly to
prepare their teachers for the students they teach so well?
When looking into Finland, I found that the country had an excellent RTI
model of teaching affective through a successful professional learning community. I
have always heard such amazing things about the Finnish model of education and I
can see why that is, through further study. An article written by Moran and Clarke
recites that the Finnish model of educational practices starts with the teacher, and
the development of that highly qualified teacher. The Finnish model of teacher
education has been acclaimed internationally. (Moran, A. and Clarke, L. 2012.
p.275) There is much respect and care allotted for teacher prep time and
professional development. The country as a whole strongly believes that the
quality of a school system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. (Moran, A. and
Clarke, L. 2012 p.276) This theory makes complete sense. The emphasis is to place
much value on a teacher and the development of their profession. Teachers in
Finland are encouraged to explore teaching strategies based of the need of their
students and classroom. Because they are so highly developed professionally, there
is a trust amongst the teachers and administration to work with whats best for the
student. I run into some struggles with this at my own site. I find students that may
have a special need and when I bring this need to the attention of my supporting
staff, they, instead of valuing my input and data, want to try their own interventions

DOMAIN D LITERATURE REVIEW-FINLAND SUPPORT OF PLC

and collect their own data regarding the child. This prolongs the process of getting
the student they help he or she needs, spending valuable time all the while. I would
appreciate the respect and value Finland places on their teaching staff to make
quick judgements as to what will truly benefit the child in need.
Reference
Moran, A. and Clarke, L. (2012) Back to the Future: Do Lessons from Finland Point
the Way to a Return

to Model Schools for Northern Ireland? European Journal of Teacher Education.

35(3) p.275-

288.