Finnish kids taught to learn for life

Finnish kids taught to learn for life
Finnish Ambassador Jyri Järviaho, centre left, joins an activity with children and teachers at the Hei Schools Bangkok in Soi Sukhumvit 36, in Bangkok's Klong Toey district, yesterday. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Finnish Ambassador Jyri Järviaho, centre left, joins an activity with children and teachers at the Hei Schools Bangkok in Soi Sukhumvit 36, in Bangkok’s Klong Toey district, yesterday. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

A school within Bangkok has recommended its Finnish schooling model as an alternative early age education in Asia.

Piyapong Sumettikoon, Chief Academic and Pedagogy Official of Hei Institutions Bangkok said last night that Finnish education and learning is so successful since it teaches students “lifelong learner skills” within their first seven yrs.

Speaking at a panel discussion on “The Finnish Story: Exporting the particular secrets of pleasure and academic achievement via a dynamic early education model” on the school, he stated lifelong learner skills are crucial for kid’s social integration plus self-development.

“According to research, the very first seven years of lifetime are called ‘the marvelous years’. It is the period when the brain is increasing and opening to receive any form of stimulation, ” he stated. “But the main thing should not be academic, but rather learning to learn. ”

Mr Piyapong said at Hei Schools Bangkok, students learn through playing, not only with toys but also via fun and enjoyable activities.

By teaching such skills earlier, they are better equipped to face future issues, he said.

Finland’s ambassador to Thailand, Jyri Jarviaho, described early childhood education being a growing global trend, with early years as a child development being important for the future of students.

“Hei school is an excellent example of a Finnish educational export, ” he said. “The school follows a programs and system developed by experts in early years as a child education at the College of Helsinki. inch

In the last five years, Hei schools have opened around 20 understanding centres on 6 continents around the world.

Another twenty contracts have been signed to open in the next two years including one in the resort island of Phuket.