Inside Finland’s incredible education system | The Listening Post

Summary

Finland's National Audio Visual Institute has created a video aimed at educating pre-primary school children about media reliability. The Finnish approach to media literacy is holistic, integrating it across various subjects to foster critical thinking. With a history of independence and resistance to propaganda, Finland has made media literacy a mandatory part of its national curriculum. The country's efforts extend beyond schools to include public broadcasters and various organizations, using innovative tools like games and interactive learning to prepare students to discern fake news and disinformation.

Takeaways

• 📚 Finland's National Audio Visual Institute produces educational videos to teach children about media reliability.
• 🧒 Media literacy is introduced to pre-primary school children in Finland, emphasizing the importance of understanding media from a young age.
• 📖 Media literacy is integrated across all subjects in Finnish education, not just as a standalone topic.
• 🔍 Finnish students learn to analyze sources, recognize fake news, and understand the purpose behind different types of content.
• 🌐 Media literacy has been a part of Finnish culture for over a century, dating back to the nation's independence from Russia in 1917.
• 🚨 Following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine, media literacy became a mandatory part of the Finnish curriculum.
• 🤔 Finnish media's cautious approach during the Cold War era has contributed to the high standard of media literacy among Finns.
• 🎮 Educational games like 'Troll Factory' are used to teach students about the dangers of spreading misinformation.
• 📺 The Finnish public broadcaster, Yle, plays a significant role in developing and delivering media education programs.
• 🌟 Finland's focus on media literacy has placed it at the top of international indexes, reflecting its commitment to fighting false information.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video produced by Finland's National Audio Visual Institute?

The video aims to educate pre-primary school children about the reliability of the media they consume, helping them distinguish between real and fake information.

How does Finland approach media literacy education?

Media literacy is integrated across all subjects in Finnish education, starting with basic elements for young children and building up to more complex understanding as they grow older.

In which subjects is media literacy taught in Finland?

Media literacy is taught in various subjects such as Finnish language, literature, mathematics, art, and history.

What is the historical context of media literacy in Finland?

Media literacy has been a part of Finnish culture for over a century, stemming from the country's independence from Russia in 1917 and the need to discern truth from Soviet propaganda.

Why is media literacy mandatory in the Finnish national curriculum?

Media literacy is now mandatory to prepare students to defend against disinformation, especially considering Finland's proximity to Russia and its shared border.

What role does the Finnish public broadcaster, Yle, play in media literacy education?

Yle contributes to media literacy education by developing and delivering learning programs, including news mentorship and interactive media education tools.

How does the game 'Troll Factory' contribute to media literacy education?

Troll Factory allows students to experience the role of a troll, creating harmful material online, which helps them understand the impact of spreading misinformation.

What is the significance of the 'Deepfake videos' produced by Yle?

The Deepfake videos aim to educate people about the existence and workings of artificial intelligence in creating realistic but fake media content.

How does Finland's media literacy program compare internationally?

Finland's media literacy program is highly regarded, with the country consistently ranking at the top in international indexes for media literacy.

What is the focus of Finland's media literacy efforts in the context of new trends and technologies?

Finland is shifting its focus to guard against new trends, technologies, and platforms to ensure that students are prepared to combat false information in whatever form it may take.