Sari Sulkunen

Northern Lights on TIMSS and PIRLS 2011 : Differences and similarities in the Nordic countries

How is reading literacy taught in Nordic classrooms, and how is this influenced by the curricula? How can we improve mathematics teaching in Nordic classrooms? What is the relationship between scho ...

Literacy, Age and Recentness of Education Among Nordic Adults

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between reading literacy and age in an adult population aged 25 to 65 in Nordic countries using PIAAC 2012 data. More specifically, the study examined to what extent variations in the literacy proficiency of adults are explained by age and the recentness of qualifications when variables related to education, occupation, and skill use are controlled. The statistical method was regression analysis. The recentness of education explained only a part of the performance gap between the oldest adults and others. The significance of the length and scope of initial education in developing literacy proficiency overall, is difficult to compensate. There were insignificant differences between the Nordic countries.

Finnish School in International Comparison

Traditionally, one of the strengths of the Finnish education system has been students’ advanced reading literacy skills. In PISA assessments, the proficiency levels for mathematics and science have also been high in Finland. Albeit the average level of Finnish student performance has slightly declined in the latest PISA assessments, Finland is still among the highest-ranking countries in the world.