A Unique Experience of Finland in the Area of Education (Multilingualism)

This article is a comprehensive study of the Finnish education system, from preschool to postgraduate education. We examine various aspects of the system including curricula, the development of intersectional and transversal competences, and efforts to prepare students for life beyond exams. We discuss initiatives aimed at supporting students who may need extra help and investigate language teaching practices. Furthermore, based on expert presentations and observations, we describe the higher education process at the Universities of Jyvaskyla and Helsinki. Throughout each stage of the educational continuum, we give particular attention to the issue of language teaching and multilingualism.
In line with the education system reform decreed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, there is a significant focus on studying and implementing Finland's exemplary practices. On September 11, 2023, Resolution No. PD-300 was issued, which mandates higher education faculty to enhance their skills abroad. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation has outlined detailed plans to execute these directives. Uzbekistan State World Languages University has partnered with the International Nordic University in Tashkent to achieve this goal. This collaboration has facilitated a comprehensive training program for UzSWLU professors and teachers. The training program aims to deepen their understanding of the Finnish education system and foster an exchange of expertise, enabling valuable insights to be gleaned from Finland's educational practices.
Based on our observations and interactions with experts, we have drawn some important conclusions. Finland’s education policy aims to create a knowledge-based society, promote equality in education, and grant a high degree of autonomy to local authorities. Additionally, the egalitarian values are reflected in the equal status of all public schools, which makes education accessible to all students based on their proximity to their residence. We have discussed the implications of these findings in our article and included some reflections on the matter.