Week 4 24/01/11 – 30/01/11

Cannot believe it’s been nearly a month since arriving.  Although I am still meeting lots of very interesting people, I’ve noticed that Finns are a lot more withdrawn and reserved.  They keep themselves to themselves.  However that said they are very helpful and will always do their best to aid you in any problems, whether it is asking for directions or asking what you are buying in the supermarket.  Finnish people are generally relaxed and this is reflected within my classes.  They create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere in class, yet they do know the importance of education and a strong respect of the lecturer is shown.  The timetable for classes is still strange to me.  No two weeks are the same, with classes changing time and room from week to week.  Many classes end in March while others only start in March, so every week I need to check when my classes are.  This has made me become more organised.

All the Finnish people I have met seem to be involved in some sort of winter sport, like ice hockey, and being fit and healthy is emphasised in schools too.  Many schools do not have after school clubs but most students are involved in skiing and hockey outside of school. 

There is also national law with requires parents to be involved in teacher meetings (where they get time off work to attend) and homework supervision.  I think if this was implemented back home education will be given a greater importance and then the results of pupils work could improve.  Also there is not a focus on differentiation but instead pupils who are less able will be given more support to improve.  This means that there is very little difference in pupils’ results (only those who did not put in the effort will not achieve).

The country has an interesting was of insuring people recycle.  Shops will add 20 or 40 cents on top of the price of bottled drinks.  When you recycle the bottle at a bottle bank you will receive the 20 or 40 cents back.  This ensures people will recycle (as they will get their money back) and not just throw their waste away.

Picture: Walking in the snow can be challenging.