There are several significant differences between the educational systems in Finland and Ecuador. While Ecuador’s educational system faces serious difficulties, Finland’s is rated as one of the greatest in the world. Yet, it should be noted that inadequate finance is one of the biggest issues affecting Ecuador’s educational system (Villafuerte et al., 2018). The organization, curriculum, teacher preparation, and results of the educational systems in Finland and Ecuador will be compared and contrasted in this essay.
First of all, the educational systems in Finland and Ecuador are structured differently. From the age of seven to sixteen, all children in Finland are required to attend free public schools. With a national curriculum and standardized assessments that are used to track student progress, the system is extremely centralized. Ecuador, in contrast, has a decentralized educational system where each province is in charge of determining its own educational priorities (Villafuerte et al., 2018). From the age of five to 14, education is free and required for all children, yet many of them leave school early.
In addition, there is a big disparity between the teacher preparation programs in Finland and Ecuador. Teachers in Finland are highly regarded professionals who must complete extensive training and hold a master’s degree in education. They are also trusted to make decisions on how to instruct their students and are given a great deal of autonomy in the classroom. In contrast, teacher preparation in Ecuador is frequently insufficient and many teachers lack the credentials and abilities needed to deliver successful lessons (Villafuerte et al., 2018). Moreover, there are differences between the educational outcomes in Finland and Ecuador. Finland typically ranks among the top nations in the world for educational results, with its pupils possessing high levels of literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking abilities. Ecuador’s educational system, in contrast, confronts major difficulties due to high dropout rates, low literacy rates, and subpar academic achievement.
Overall, there are numerous significant differences between the educational systems in Finland and Ecuador. The decentralized system in Ecuador, with a focus on memorization, poorly qualified instructors, and subpar results, contrasts sharply with Finland’s highly centralized system that emphasizes holistic learning, well-trained teachers, and favorable outcomes. While the educational systems in both nations face particular difficulties, the Finnish model serves as a useful illustration of how a well-designed educational system may benefit students.
Reference
Villafuerte, J., Perez, L., Elisabeth, B., Pinoargote, J., Andrea, R., Elena, S., & Duval, D. (2018). Challenges of the basic education system in Ecuador; the voices of the future teachers. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, 2, 217-224.