1. What do you think about education in Finland?
Finland's education system is a global model because it prioritizes quality over pressure, equity over elitism, and student well-being over standardized metrics. Key strengths include:
Trust in teachers: They design curricula tailored to students' needs.
Focus on skills, not tests: Critical thinking and collaboration matter more than memorization.
Work-life balance: Shorter school days and playtime improve mental health.
This contrasts with systems (like the U.S. or many in Latin America) that stress exams, long hours, and rigid structures, often leading to student burnout.
2. If you could make one change in Ecuador's education system based on Finland's model, what would it be?
I'd prioritize teacher training and professionalization, because:
Why? Finland's success starts with exceptional teachers. Ecuador (and much of Latin America) often under-invests in teacher salaries, ongoing training, and autonomy.
How? By: Requiring higher qualifications (e.g., master's degrees) with state-funded support.
Raising teacher salaries and social status to attract top talent.
Giving teachers freedom to adapt lessons to students' needs (vs. rigid national curricula).
Secondary suggestion: Reduce reliance on standardized testing. Ecuador's system often "teaches to the test," which limits creativity and deep learning.