In a notable shift from recent educational trends, some schools in Finland are embracing a return to traditional paper-based learning. This move comes as a reaction to the growing concerns over the impact of digital devices on students’ focus and well-being. The small town of Riihimäki, located about 70 kilometers north of Helsinki, is leading this change by reintroducing books into the classrooms after a decade of heavy reliance on laptops and other digital tools.
Finland’s Educational Experiment
For many years, Finland’s educational system has been lauded for its progressive approach, including the widespread distribution of laptops to students as early as age 11. However, recent observations and feedback from both parents and teachers have raised concerns about the detrimental effects of constant screen exposure. The distraction and reduced attention spans associated with digital devices have prompted a reevaluation of this tech-centric strategy.
Maija Kaunonen, an English teacher at Pohjolanrinne middle school in Riihimäki, shared her insights on this shift. “Young people are using phones and digital devices so much these days that we didn’t want school to be one of the places where children are only staring at screens,” she explained. Kaunonen noted that the presence of constant digital distractions made it difficult for students to focus and complete their tasks efficiently.
The Impact of Digital Devices on Student Performance
Recent studies have indicated that excessive screen time can lead to various issues, including reduced concentration and increased anxiety. According to Minna Peltopuro, a clinical neuropsychologist collaborating with the town, Finnish teenagers currently spend up to six hours a day on screens. This level of exposure has been linked to both physical and mental health concerns, such as eye strain and anxiety. “The brain is very vulnerable to multi-tasking, especially at a young age, and managing it well is challenging,” Peltopuro added.
Student feedback has highlighted the benefits of this transition back to traditional learning methods. Elle Sokka, a 14-year-old student, acknowledged that her focus improved with the return to books. “Sometimes I would drift off to different websites when learning digitally,” she admitted. Similarly, her peers, Miko Mantila and Inka Warro, reported enhanced concentration and better sleep quality without the constant use of digital devices. Mantila noted, “Reading from books is much easier and faster, and Warro added that it’s easier to go to sleep when not staring at a screen before bedtime.”
Future Legislation and Educational Trends
In response to the observed decline in learning outcomes associated with heavy digital use, the Finnish government is considering new legislation to restrict the use of personal devices, such as phones, during school hours. This proposed law aims to limit screen time and encourage more traditional learning methods, aligning with the recent experiences in Riihimäki.
As educational practices evolve, Finland’s shift back to books highlights a growing global conversation about the balance between digital and traditional learning methods. This development serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring the impact of technology on education and adjusting strategies to support optimal student outcomes.
Click here to read more
Hashtags: #FinnishEducation #DigitalDetox #EducationTrends #ScreenTime #TraditionalLearning #EducationalChange #StudentFocus #FinlandSchools #TechInEducation #BackToBasics
