For me, the experience to participate in the event is beyond imagination. It would be hard to imagine that my first time to meet Finnish education is in Qatar.
It all began from one e-mail.
In late July, I sent my proposal to QFIS, hoping to visit their school. My initiative is quite simple -- the sparkle of two countries would be fascinating. Especially Finland is well known for its quality education and Qatar lays much emphasis on education.
I still remember how excited I am when receiving the reply from QFIS. The lead expert in the school, Ms. Tiina Raatikainen, mentioned about the status of quo of this newly founded school and this event. It was a surprise for me that she invited me to this grand event and gave me information about Qatar.
For these two countries that concentrate on education, the setup of this school is anticipated. The event is held in Hilton Doha in the Corniche, where I first step into five-starred hotel in Doha. The hotel is a classical Hilton-styled hotel but combines exotic atmosphere and marvelous beach.
The theme of the event is” Joy of learning”, which represent the core idea of Finnish education. Finnish education has been a role model of education in the world, for it respects individual’s talent and the use of Games learning. In the past PISA, Finland shows their strength of education and the world wowed.
In the beginning, Ms.Ratiikainen explained about the naming of the school. The concept of QFIS represents the vision of Qatar as well as the promise of Finnish education to root here, to provide the best education system in the world.
The principal of the school, Mr. Juha Repo, later introduced the core of Finnish education—provides opportunities to every student. Education is not limited to the élite. They hope that the stronger ones could take care of the weaker ones, allowing education becomes accessible to all.
What impressed me a lot is that they do not rank the students. For them, standardization is not a Finnish way because every student got their own talent. Education helps them to find out that, and equips students the ability to be responsible for their own deeds.
One of the highlight is the rethink of instructions. Mr. Juha described one scenario and suggested the participants to follow the steps. But if you want to get the result, you should not follow the instructions. This demonstrates the importance of thinking outside the box, what Finnish education cherishes.
‘’Now you all know Finnish education well!’’ Mr. Juha laughed.
In QFIS, providing quality education is the priority. All teachers in the school got master degree and have high enthusiasm to education.
Also, the collaboration between teachers and parents play important roles for the success. 16-year-old Ally, the “product “of Finnish education, shared her experience.
In her learning process, learning is always a joy. She mentioned about the importance of family in her learning journey. She even got in touch with the teachers in her early ages!
Although she is quite young, but she had already study abroad to UAE, where is quite different from her hometown. Even more, she actively participated in extracurricular activities. These experiences equipped her ability to face the challenges in life.
Ms.Tiina asked about her future plan.
“Not certain but anything international!” Ally said confidently.
From her eyes, I know that she really enjoys the whole process of learning.
Afterwards, I met Mr.Juha to figure out why they came to here. He mentioned about the invitation from Qatar prompted them to set up the school. Also, this promising country could be a great stage for them.
Before I back to home, I asked few questions to Ms. Tiina. Her answer demonstrates unique Finnish thinking to education. Games learning for them are more than a slogan. They provide holistic approaches to teach the students and inspire them.
For me, education is a process allows learners to achieve their goal. Finnish education system is far from Taiwan’s counterpart. The event is almost a cultural shock for me; even though I had read some reviews about Finnish education in Taiwan. But the whole process is inspiring.
I admire their respect to every learner. Everyone could be accessible to education, the most powerful tool in the world. Individual could find their strength and enjoyed the whole process.
I like that Ms. Tiina described my trip to Doha as ” learning journey’’. This is just the start for me in Doha. The whole experience is already more than I expected. I cannot wait to find out more about the story in Doha!
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