Finland, previously known for its strong performance in PISA school aptitude tests, wants to reverse the current downward trend and promote a focused learning environment by passing a law banning mobile phones in schools.
The Programme for International Student Assessment assesses the learning outcomes of 15-year-olds in mathematics, science and reading. Finland’s performance peaked in 2006 but has since seen a decline in results.
To address this, the programme of the new right-wing Finnish government states that it will take measures to address the issue of faltering educational results and is promising a €200 million funding top-up for basic education to ensure students acquire the basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
But money alone is not enough, according to the Finnish government, which now also wants to target students’ mobile phones.
“The government will reinforce the powers of teachers and principals to intervene in activities that disrupt teaching during school hours,” the government announced Monday.
“We will make the necessary legislative amendments to enable more efficient restrictions in cases such as the use of mobile devices during the school day so that pupils and students can better concentrate on teaching,” it added.
In Finland, the prominence of mobile phones, deeply linked to Nokia’s success, has long been unquestioned. Children in the country are equipped with mobile phones at an earlier age compared to their counterparts elsewhere, with many already possessing one upon entering school.
Despite concerns raised by educators regarding the detrimental effects of these devices on attention and concentration, the existing regulations set by the Finnish National Agency for Education do not empower schools to restrict students from bringing mobile devices onto their premises.
However, this state of affairs is poised for a change pending parliamentary approval.
Finnish decision-makers appear to have garnered significant public support, as evidenced by a recent citizens’ initiative that amassed more than 30,000 signatures, urging for implementing measures such as switching off mobile phones during lessons and breaks or banning them from classes altogether.
(Pekka Vänttinen | EURACTIV.com)
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