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Finnish Lessons for Change Agents
Discover how trust, play, and collaboration shape Finnish education — and how you can apply these values in your own center.
Insights from Prof. Pasi Sahlberg’s Lecture at the University of Helsinki
By Stella Giota, Education Specialist at Kindiedays
On September 22, 2025, Prof. Pasi Sahlberg, one of Finland’s leading education experts, shared inspiring insights on how meaningful change in education begins.
His message was clear:
“The Finnish way of teaching and learning is about adopting a philosophy, not just importing a policy.”
For educators around the world, this means we don’t need to copy Finland — we can learn from its core values and adapt them in our own local contexts.
Stella and Pasi at the University of Helsinki
What Makes the Finnish Way Special?
1️⃣ A Human-Centered Approach
Learning focuses on the whole child — combining curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth. Play is not a break from learning; it is learning.
2️⃣ Equity Over Competition
Each child receives support according to their needs. The goal is fairness, not ranking. Every child deserves an equal chance to succeed.
3️⃣ Collaboration and Trust
Finnish teachers are professionals who collaborate, reflect, and innovate together. Trust replaces strict control, allowing creativity to flourish.
How You Can Apply It
In your preschool or learning center, you can start with small but powerful changes:
- Foster a culture of trust among teachers and families.
- Create play-based, hands-on experiences for children.
- Focus on well-being and inclusion in every activity.
“From little things, big things grow.”
— Pasi Sahlberg
🎯 Pro Tip: Pasi Sahlberg's famous book Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive can be bought at Amazon Books Here!
Kindiedays Reflection
At Kindiedays, we believe that every teacher can be a change agent. By combining Finnish pedagogy with practical digital tools, educators can bring more play, reflection, and joy into everyday learning.
Let’s continue to grow — one small step, one child, one classroom at a time. 💛
Stella Giota
Education Specialist