Tapio Toivanen

Drama Education in the Finnish School System – Past, Present and Future

Theatre is an example of an art form, which has always been part of the Finnish school system, although it has not had an official position in the National Curriculum. Nowadays we have many PhD theses that confirm that the use of drama in educational processes aids personal and social development, as well as the development of self-concept, self-discrepancy and a role-taking ability.

Drama Education in the Finnish School System

Theatre is an example of an art form, which has always been part of the Finnish school system, although it has not had an official position in the National Curriculum. Nowadays we have many PhD theses that confirm that the use of drama in educational processes aid personal and social development, as well as the development of self-concept, self-discrepancy and a role-taking ability. Pupils who take drama classes enjoy school activities more, are much more willing to participate in them, are better at problem solving and better at coping with stress.

Drama Boreale – Perspectives on Drama Education in Finland and Norway

This chapter will explore how drama education has been developed within two Nordic educational contexts during the past four decades. It provides an overview of the extensive attempts carried out for the purpose of establishing a place for this art subject throughout the school systems in Finland and Norway.