A Learning Method Forged by the Finnish

Phenomenon-based learning is a cutting edge approach to education pioneered in Finland. In this approach, a classroom observes a real-life scenario or phenomenon and analyzes it through an interdisciplinary approach.” The observation is not limited to one single point of view; the phenomena are instead studied holistically from different points of view, crossing the boundaries between subjects naturally and integrating different subjects.

Examples of phenomena can include such topics as climate change, media and technology, water or energy. One example could be the questions students have about a topic such as the importance of the European Union. To answer these questions knowledge and skills from economics, history, geography and languages are to be integrated. This differs from the traditional school subjects, where the things studied are often split into relatively small, separate parts.

Phenomenon-Based Learning in Action

Phenomenon-based learning is also about getting students to take charge of their own learning. Instead of imbibing content knowledge from their teachers, students are trained to be intellectually curious to create their own understanding of a topic. “The key is for teachers to provoke students to ask questions such as ‘Why are there numbers in the world?

Phenomenon based teaching and learning use the natural curiosity of children to learn in a holistic and authentic context. Holistic real-world phenomena provide the motivating starting point for learning, instead of traditional school subjects. The phenomena are studied as holistic entities, in their real context, and the information and skills related to them are studied by crossing the boundaries between subjects.

Exceptionally unique benefits of PBL

How Finland Became The Best?How Finland Became The Best?

Psychological Gains

Modern neuropsychology also shows that our brains learn best when information is presented in ways that are relevant to our personal lives. Kids will be more deeply invested in what they are learning. The brain holds on to only what’s relevant, useful, or interesting — or may be so in the future.

Real potential for learning

Not learning for a test, but learning which means taking personal hold over meaning. When we care about something, we learn it. When asked to remember “a bunch of facts,” students load them in their short-term memory before an exam and let them go immediately after as the next truckload of data comes in.

Motivation Purposes

Their teachers will identify the projects that they will work on and the gaps that they need to fill. They will also lead their own learning by conducting self-assessment and reflecting on it. Learners will be profoundly motivated and involved. Working with their students on plans and projects both teachers and students will have a voice and a choice.

Less Rote Memorization

Transitioning to phenomenon-based learning does not mean abandoning traditional subject-based teaching. Instead of traditional course-based learning where users are memorizing ready-given information, today more emphasis is put on finding, understanding and applying information in practice in real-world scenarios.

The Ultimate Project-Based Learning

What stands out in phenomenon-based teaching is that it’s the students who initiate the learning process by asking questions about various issues in and around the world or other concepts they might be interested in. Unlike rote learning, where learning is superficial, this method makes learning deeper and more natural.

To gain knowledge, one should have an inquisitive mind that can help seek answers. The textbook way of learning employed in Asian schools limit a child’s ability to think, question and reflect upon what they have learnt. A textbook supplies ready-made answers to questions, and most of the times students are unaware of what to do with the responses except reproducing them during tests.<