As the world continues to evolve, the skills needed for success are changing too. In Finland, education is not just about memorising facts, it’s about preparing children for the future. The Finnish curriculum strongly emphasises developing future skills such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy from an early age. These future skills are seamlessly integrated into daily learning experiences, helping children build a solid foundation for lifelong growth. This article explores how Finland’s education system embeds future skills into everyday teaching and why it is seen as a global model for education.
What are future skills?
Core competencies
Future skills refer to a broad set of abilities that help individuals thrive in a rapidly changing world. They go beyond academic knowledge to include social, emotional, technological and cognitive competencies. In Finland, these skills are not taught in isolation, they are embedded across all subjects and age levels, starting from early childhood.
Key areas of focus
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration and communication
- Creativity and innovation
- Digital and media literacy
- Emotional and social intelligence
- Global citizenship and sustainability awareness
How the Finnish curriculum promotes future skills
Phenomenon-based learning
Children naturally explore the world without dividing it into separate subjects. Phenomenon-based learning builds on this curiosity by integrating traditional disciplines into real-life themes. Finnish schools and nurseries explore topics like climate, community, or transport through multiple subject areas at once, encouraging children to make meaningful connections.
This approach enhances cognitive, emotional and social development. It allows children to ask questions, experiment, and reflect in collaborative and hands-on settings. Rooted in constructivist and experiential learning theories, phenomenon-based learning supports understanding while also building essential skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity.
Integrated digital literacy
Technology is woven into learning from an early age. Children use digital tools not just for research or presentations but to explore, create and solve problems. Digital literacy is seen as an essential life skill, and children are taught to use technology with confidence, creativity and purpose. Technology is treated as a tool, not a goal. The balance between digital engagement and real-world interaction ensures children stay grounded while gaining the skills needed for a digital society.
Student agency and personalised learning
Children are encouraged to take an active role in their learning journey. They set goals, reflect on progress and help shape classroom activities. This builds autonomy, motivation and a sense of responsibility.
At the heart of the FinlandWay® approach is participatory pedagogy. Children are invited to voice their ideas, make choices, and influence their environment. Whether through planning daily routines or reflecting on a group project, their involvement helps develop communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills that are key elements of future readiness.
Examples of future skills in practice
Project-based learning
In Finnish classrooms, children co-create projects based on their interests. For example, a group curious about transport might build a cardboard city complete with roads, vehicles and traffic signs. While constructing their miniature world, they practise teamwork, spatial awareness, early maths, and negotiation skills.
Cross-disciplinary themes
Themes like “Our Environment” integrate multiple areas of learning. Children might explore recycling by sorting materials, discussing where waste goes, and using discarded items to create art or build instruments. This connects science, social awareness, creativity and language development.
Entrepreneurial education
The Finnish system encourages initiative and creative thinking through role play and open-ended activities. For instance, a pretend market play allows children to create items, design signs, role-play sellers and buyers, and use numbers and communication in context.
Mindfulness and emotional regulation
Emotional and social learning is built into the rhythm of each school day. Through predictable routines and guided play, children feel secure and practise recognising emotions, resolving conflicts and expressing needs through role play and storytelling.
📊 Table: Key differences between traditional skills and future skills
| Aspect | Traditional skills | Future skills |
|---|---|---|
| Learning focus | Memorisation | Critical thinking and problem solving |
| Tools used | Textbooks, lectures | Technology, collaboration tools |
| Student role | Passive receiver | Active explorer |
| Assessment | Standardised testing | Project work, portfolio assessment |
Impact of future skills on student development
Building adaptability and resilience
Future skills equip children to handle uncertainty with confidence. By learning how to solve problems, work with others, and manage emotions, Finnish children become more adaptable and resilient—traits crucial in our ever-changing world.
Preparing for lifelong learning
Learning in Finland is not about short-term results, it’s about nurturing curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. The Finnish approach makes learning meaningful and joyful, helping children develop the drive to continue growing and contributing to society well beyond school.
FAQ: Future skills in the Finnish curriculum
Q1: At what age do Finnish students start learning future skills?
A: Future skills are integrated from early childhood education onwards, gradually becoming more sophisticated as students grow.
Q2: How do teachers support the development of future skills?
A: Teachers use flexible, child-centred approaches, incorporating collaboration, problem-solving, and digital tools into everyday lessons.
Q3: Is technology a major focus in teaching future skills?
A: Yes, but it is balanced with play, creativity and social interaction. Technology is a tool, not a goal in
