A delegation of school principals and heads of teacher associations from Hong Kong visited Jyväskylä between 2-6 February. The group of 21 was supervised by assistant professor Ho Chun Sing Maxwell from the Education University of Hong Kong and senior researcher Dr. Kristof Fenyvesi from Experience Workshop.
The program, organised by Experience Workshop, offered deep insights into the Finnish education system. The visit was designed to inspire educational leadership and promote cross-cultural collaboration.
No dead ends in Finnish education
Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi and Nora Somlyódy from Experience Workshop warmly welcomed the group at Crazy Town Jyväskylä, a creative space for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Dr. Fenyvesi’s lecture on Finnish education provided an overview of its main concepts, highlighting how flexibly the system enables students to switch between academic and vocational paths, and how deeply the idea of student wellbeing is rooted in the Finnish system.
To illustrate how important a role hands-on skill development plays in education, the group visited professor Pasi Ikonen, a long-time educator of craft teachers at the faculty of teacher education. Mr Ikonen practically demonstrated technical assignments in the wood crafts room. Children in Finnish schools, quite uniquely, already begin at the age of 7 to use the saw and the hammer.
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- With Professor Pasi Ikonen in the crafts room
Educational leadership
Postdoctoral researcher Takumi Yada’s new insights into educational leadership and the concluding discussion moderated by Dr. Fenyvesi highlighted leadership strategies that align with Finland’s student-centered approach to education. The presentation showcased both trends and issues in the Finnish approach to leadership. Participants could also understand the academic path Finnish educators walk in order to become a principal.
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- Takumi Yada in the centre
School Visit and Special Education
On the second day, a visit to Norssi Primary School, the teacher training school affiliated with the University of Jyväskylä gave practical experience of Finnish education. The principals were shown around by students in the building and made classroom observations. The group witnessed firsthand how Finnish educators implement creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in their classes. Later on, a Q&A session with principal Jerker Polso provided further insights into the school’s leadership and pedagogical practices.
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- Principal Jerker Polso with principal Lee Yi Ying
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- Teacher Marika Kalaja and student guides
To understand the current educational interventions for learning difficulties in Finland, the lecture by professor Mikko Aro was designed to cover all levels of education. His talk emphasized the inclusive and supportive nature of the Finnish education system with its three-tier system of support for learning and schooling, which makes sure that each and every student has the opportunity to succeed.
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- Professor Mikko Aro
Exploring Secondary and Vocational Education
The delegation also visited Schildt High School and Gradia Vocational College, guided by the Global Partnership Manager Pauliina Holm to explore the Finnish secondary education system. The school tour and discussions highlighted the flexibility and diversity of Finland’s educational pathways, which cater to students’ individual interests and career aspirations.
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- Pauliina Holm, Gradia Vocational College
An afternoon was dedicated to a visit to the Niilo Mäki Institute, a leading center for research and development in learning difficulties. Director Juha-Matti Latvala and Jarkko Hautala shared their expertise on practical pedagogy and interventions for students with learning challenges.
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- Director Juha-Matti Latvala and Jarkko Hautala
Planetary Wellbeing
The final day of the program focused on planetary wellbeing, a concept that aligns with Finland’s commitment to sustainability and global responsibility. Mikael Puurtinen’s (research coordinator at the University of Jyväskylä) lecture encouraged the principals to reflect on how education can contribute to a sustainable future.
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- Mikael Puurtinen from the University of Jyväskylä
The visit concluded with farewell reflection sessions, where the principals shared their thoughts and takeaways from the program. Certificates were awarded to commemorate their participation.
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- Hong Kong educational leaders with Experience Workshop
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and contributors for making this educational journey a great success.
Leisure time activities
In between lectures and school visits, the delegation enjoyed cultural activities. They explored the roots of Finnish language education at the university campus while embracing the freezing -20 temperatures of Finnish winter and visited the Museum of Alvar Aalto and the Museum of Central Finland as well.
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