Образование в Финляндии: размышления о секретах успеха

Abstract

The paper presents the fi ndings of the research carried out in the framework of pedagogical regional studies and devoted to the analysis of major directions of the reforms in Finnish school education system. Its current state and the trends of its evolution are seen through the prism of historical, sociopolitical, economic and cultural development of the country. The main pedagogical concepts underlying the latest educational reforms are interpreted on the base of original periodization. The authors reveal the ideological foundations of Finnish school defi ning humanization of education as the key factor for its progress. It is embodied in pupil’s self-esteem, his right to self-determination, the fullest development of abilities and fulfi llment of educational needs; in the recognition of pupil as a supreme value, in giving the highest priority to his inner world, in the actualization of his essential powers and creativeness; in the creating optimal conditions for the demonstration of abilities, needs and possibilities as well as for fi nding harmony between the self and the outside world. Through the analysis of the general trends in the development of school in a rapidly changing economic and sociopolitical situation, the authors substantiate the imperative of the current reforms of Finnish school — the conformity to the requirements of modern society provided that cultural and humanitarian traditions of education are preserved. The reference includes new literary sources in foreign languages which has not been presented in scientifi c works on comparative education.