Homework? Hardly!

 

goUNMUTE reporter Janet J Mascarenhas finds that Finland’s schools prove less stress means more success (India, take notes!)

Imagine a school day that ends in just four hours, comes with hardly any homework, and still produces some of the world’s happiest and brightest students. Welcome to Finland’s education system—hailed as one of the best on the planet.

Here, children begin formal schooling at the age of seven, after years of learning through play and discovery. Once in class, the focus shifts to the “4 Cs”: communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills every child needs in today’s fast-changing world.

Teachers, all highly qualified with master’s degrees, are trusted to craft lessons their way. There are no national exams to weigh students down. Instead, feedback and encouragement drive progress. On top of that, schools ensure equal access by providing free meals, healthcare, and opportunities to all.

The result? Learners who grow curious, confident, and ready for the future—proving that less pressure can truly mean more progress.

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 Finland’s Cool School Secrets

•  Short Hours: Just 4–5 hours of school a day!

•  Play First: Kids start school at 7, learning through games and fun.

•  Super Teachers: All teachers have master’s degrees.

•  No Big Exams: Teachers give feedback, not stress.

•  Everything Free: Meals, healthcare, and equal chances for everyone.

 

QUOTES

 

Priya Gauns, Teacher, St. Xavier’s High School, Moira

“The New Education Policy has many positives, but its implementation has not been proper. Flexible timings with afternoons for co-curriculars would really help students. Continuous evaluation is good, but mass promotion has weakened the system. Our education is strong, yet change will take time.”

 

Rony Fernandes, Teacher, St. John of the Cross High School, Sanquelim

“With classrooms of thirty to fifty students, it is impossible to give attention to each child. The syllabus must be rushed, leaving little space for innovation. Teachers have no freedom with timings, unlike in Finland. Here, finishing lessons takes priority over creative learning.”

 

Sakshi Redkar, Parent

“India balances academics and extra-curricular activities well, but discipline has weakened over the years. Mass promotion makes it too easy for students, and many don’t want to study seriously anymore. While the system offers opportunities, it sometimes encourages laziness instead of building strong learning habits.”

 

Valencia Sequeira, Parent

“I admire Finland’s flexible education system. Children are not forced into rigid learning and can explore their interests early. In India, by contrast, students just parrot-learn everything. Our system doesn’t allow them to discover passions freely, and that restricts creativity and genuine curiosity.”

 

Malfren D’souza, Class 5, Don Bosco High School, Panjim

“Our bags are heavy, lessons rushed, and homework endless. Finnish schools sound better with longer breaks and less testing. Learning should be lighter and more enjoyable.”

 

Joshel Coelho, Class 10, St. Xavier’s High School, Moira

“India’s system suits some but not all. It focuses on exams and syllabus, not deeper understanding. Finland shows education should adapt to students, not the other way.”