Hi Sue, thanks for the question. I am familiar with the Finnish system, and it is often used in international educational comparison. (I have collaborated with researchers at the University of Helsinki in the past.) There are many things that Bhutan could do to emulate the Finnish model, although 1:1 comparison is never completely possible given the different histories, contexts, and regional dynamics. A secular education system in Finland has existed far longer than it has in Bhutan, as has literacy in general (Bhutan only got formalized written language in the 1970s/1980s), but there is certain something Bhutan could learn from Finland in terms of de-emphasizing achievement, examinations, and competition.
Interesting read, Matt.
Have you looked at the Finnish educational system for comparison?
Hi Sue, thanks for the question. I am familiar with the Finnish system, and it is often used in international educational comparison. (I have collaborated with researchers at the University of Helsinki in the past.) There are many things that Bhutan could do to emulate the Finnish model, although 1:1 comparison is never completely possible given the different histories, contexts, and regional dynamics. A secular education system in Finland has existed far longer than it has in Bhutan, as has literacy in general (Bhutan only got formalized written language in the 1970s/1980s), but there is certain something Bhutan could learn from Finland in terms of de-emphasizing achievement, examinations, and competition.