Saturday, 18 October 2014

Pupils in Italy excel after using Finnish maths book

Year three primary school students in the town of Lucca, Toscana beat out their peers in math aptitude after using Finnish mathematics workbooks for a year-long trial. The class voted to continue with the Finnish instructional books again this year, because maths is now their favourite school subject. 
Luccan kaupungin kolmosluokkalaiset ovat opiskelleet matematiikkaa suomalaisoppikirjojen avulla.
Children in Italy surpassed their peers in maths after adopting instructional materials from Finland.Image: Petri Burtsov / Yle

Third graders in the Toscana town of Lucca will continue their studies of maths this autumn using the Finnish series of mathematics textbooks they used in a trial last year. Class maths performance beat out their peers after the trial year and teacher Patrizia Piccinini says that maths has now become the pupils’ favourite school subject.

“Can you imagine? I had to ban the class from studying maths over the summer break, so I would have time to translate the book for the next school year. The students would have wanted to study with their new textbooks already during their holiday!” says the pupils’ teacher Piccinini.

She says her pupils are crazy about maths, and it is all thanks to the Finnish textbooks. It all started last year when Piccinini decided to adopt the Finnish textbooks for a trial period after hearing of Finland’s great educational results. She didn’t think the language would present much of a problem, as numbers and symbols take the leading role. One year ago Piccinini still had no idea just how great an impact her experiment would have.

Finnish teaching methods differ

In Italy the initial study of maths is based on the learning of addition, subtraction and multiplication tables. The instructional material is full of text and, according to Piccinini, does not encourage children to pursue independent reasoning and deduction.

“Finnish instructional material relies on children’s own reasoning ability. Many exercises consist of only images and the pupils themselves have to figure out the nature of the problem to be solved,” she says.

The end result of the trial is that the Lucca year threes outperform the other groups in terms of their mental arithmetic and independent reasoning. Positive results were not limited to maths however – Piccinini's class has also leapt past the other classes in several cognitive areas, like reading comprehension and concentration skills.  

Kids intrigued by Finnish language and culture

The maths books have opened a window for the pupils in Lucca to get to know the Finnish language and culture. They even greeted a Finnish visitor to their class by singing a Finnish children’s song.

In order to understand the Finnish-language instructions, the children have learned to rely on not just their teacher, but also internet dictionaries. They have learned many Finnish words and even recognize Finnish sentence structure, without any formal education in this area.

“I bought several Finnish magazines for the children over the summer and they just tore them from my hands! The kids are highly intrigued by all things Finnish and they can’t wait for Christmas so they can write to Santa,” says Piccinini.

Support of the pupils’ parents vital

At first the idea of adapting Finnish workbooks was not embraced enthusiastically by the pupils’ parents. But when the results began to speak for themselves, the parents’ attitude changed as well.

One criticism Piccinini has often heard questions why she would use so much time to teach an insignificant and rare language like Finnish when the kids could be learning English.

To this end, she prepared a test comparing the class using English as the language of instruction and her Finnish maths textbook class. Piccinini’s class showed a considerably better propensity for learning languages, meaning that in future they will learn foreign languages more easily.  

“I will present the learning outcomes of my class at a teacher seminar in Italy. I have already spoken about it with members of the trans-European Comenius Project and it attracted a lot of interest,” says teacher Piccinini.


Friday, 10 October 2014

More photos from the project

Hi Everyone,

Here are some more photos of the project taken by Jenny. 

They are really great, thanks for these Jenny :)

Kokkola Part 1

Kokkola Part 2 


Monday, 6 October 2014

Information about the project




On 26th September the Momentum team went to the beautiful town of Kokkola in Finland to deliver a 2020 Education training programme with our partners from Villa Elba.


Education Inspirations was a training course which will brought together participants from 5 different European countries to examine different educational approaches of the countries involved. these countries are:
  • UK
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Spain




But unlike any other project our team experienced this evolved and ended up with guests from another 9 countries, so in total 14 countries were represented!! These additional countries included:- 

  • Japan
  • Columbia
  • Bolivia
  • India
  • Austria
  • Slovenia
  • Russia
  • Croatia
  • Tanzania

Spanning across 4 continents, this added a real vibrancy and impact to the week.

The course explored what kind of education young people need to prepare them for the challenges of the future .

Also the course promoted the idea of 2020 Education (www.2020education.org) which is a major international program to raise awareness of global issues, make a local impact and teach life skills to the young people.

Participants created action plans to launch their own follow-up projects back home which will be linked and shared via online and other media platforms.

Later the local educational activities will be presented at a transnational youth policy conference. To find out how you or your organisation can get involved in projects like this email us: info@momentumworld.org

Saturday, 4 October 2014

2020 Superheroes!


Eines der Projekte, die wir in Kokkola, Finnland entwickelt haben, nennt sich 2020 Superheroes und ist ein Video Projekt, in dem Jugendliche in kleinen Gruppen kurze Filme mit maximal 10 Sequenzen von etwa 10 Sekunden Länge drehen. Die Filme sollen davon handeln, wie wir eine bessere Zukunft für uns alle gestalten können.

Nach einer Einführung in die Themen von 2020 Education sammelt jede Gruppe zunächst selbstständig Ideen, dann wird ein Storyboard mit Skizzen erstellt, das als Drehbuch dient. Danach werden die einzelnen Szenen gefilmt und schließlich gemeinsam geschnitten und zu einem fertigen Film zusammengefügt.

Wir konnten es nicht abwarten und haben das Projekt probehalber gleich selber getestet und unseren eigenen Film gedreht - ein Riesenspaß! Das Ergebnis, ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt von jungen Menschen aus Spanien, Bolivien, London und Deutschland, kann hier bewundert werden: http://vimeo.com/107809563

Ein dickes Dankeschön an mein Video Team, die Arbeit mit euch war ein Vergnügen!

Jeder von uns hat einen Superhelden in sich!

Volker

English version:
One of the projects we have developed in Kokkola, Finland is a video project called 2020 Superheroes, in which small groups of young people make films about how we all can make a better future for everyone of us. The films should consist of a maximum of 10 scenes, each scene about 10 seconds long.

After an introduction to the 2020 Education topics, each group first gathers ideas, then sketches a storyboard, which will function as a script for their film. Then all scenes are filmed and finally cut and edited together to create the final movie.

We couldn't wait and decided to set out to make our own film for testing purposes - so much fun! The result, a collaborative project from young people of Spain, Bolivia, London and Germany, can be admired here: http://vimeo.com/107809563

A big thank you to my video team fellows, working with you was a pleasure!

Everyone of us has a superhero inside!

Volker

"Liebe lebt von Taten - Misch dich ein!"

Eingemischt haben auch wir vom Frischluft e.V. uns, nämlich beim Projekt Education Inspiration. Organisiert von Momentum World aus Großbritannien nahmen daran Jugend- und Sozialarbeiter, Freiwillige, Lehrer, Studenten und Politiker aus 12 Ländern, darunter Kroatien, Spanien, Kolumbien und Japan teil.

Sechs Tage lang beschäftigten wir uns mit 2020 Education, dem unkonventionellen finnischen Bildungssystem und der Durchführung von Workshops. Dabei lernten wir uns kennen und schätzen, weshalb wir davon ausgehen, dass die Zeit der internationalen und gemeinsamen Projekte kommen wird.

Wir bedanken uns bei den Veranstaltern von Momentum World, dem Team der Villa Elba, die uns sehr gut versorgten und allen internationalen Gästen und Teilnehmern.


Christopher Köhler
_____________________________________
stellvertretender Vorstandsvorsitzender des Frischluft Thüringen e.V.


"Love thrives on deeds - Take part in!"


Also we of Frischluft e.V. (Germany) mixed with ourselves in the project Education Inspirations. Organized by Momentum World from the United Kingdom youth and social workers, volunteers, teachers students and politicians from 12 countries, for example Croatia, Spain, Columbia and Japan take part in that project.

We dealt with 2020 Education, the unconventional Finish education System and the management of a work shop. We met and learned how to deal with everybody. That´s why we think an international project will come soon.

We say thank you to Momentum World, the team of Villa Elba and all international visitors.


Christopher Köhler
________________
second chairmen of the board
   

A long week

Friday, 3 October 2014

Saying farewell

The hospitality of the Finnish people is awesome. As the this project draws to a close new projects will hopefully begin. 

Thank you to participants for the energy, passion, creativity and innovation you brought to this programme. 

We now say goodbye to the Elves and the magical moments had in Kokkola and wish you good luck for the future. Please keep adding your thoughts and stories of the week, but for now this is the training team signing off - take care - Paul (on behalf of Monentum World)

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Durchatmen...


[below is a post from the German team for the 2020finland blog :D]
Unsere Woche in Kokkola und somit in Villa Elba ist fast vorbei.
Endlich können wir nach langen erlebnisreichen Tagen und langen spaßigen Nächten unsere Erlebnisse teilen.
... das schönste hier in Kokkola war, dass wir sehr viele verschiedene Leute aus vielen verschiedenen Ländern kennenlernen konnten.
Wir nehmen mit, dass wir uns überall auf der Welt wie zu Hause fühlen können, weil uns alle unsere neuen Freunde mit offenen Armen aufnehmen würden.
Eine deutsche Zusammenfassung unserer Eindrücke über das Programm folgt bald ;)
Good bye,
adiós, hei hei!
Tschüss :D
Jenny & Volker

Birds










This is behind the scenes and making of our Forest Bird workshop. We had lots of fun ! Team Croatia

Meet Petra Mucic

Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm 23 years old and currently studying in Greece, but in a few weeks I will go back to Zagreb in Croatia, my home town. I am finishing   my degree in Political Science this year and I am thinking of studying Psychology after that. 

Why did you decide to come on this course? 
Because I wanted to learn some new things about 2020 Education and to see how you can learn things through non-formal education. I also wanted to meet new people and support each other with our work in the future. 

What have you enjoyed the most this week?
Designing my own workshop with my team and delivering it afterwards. I also enjoyed talking and hanging out with people from other countries. 

Was there anything that surprised you this week?
Primary school really surprised me because the children were so nice and open and wanted to talk about everything and learn some words in Croatian. We also shared a special greeting with our hands. 

What's the most important thing you have learned and will take home with you. 
I learnt how to make a workshop and use the feedback from facilitators and peers to improve our work. 

What would you tell someone who has never attended an international project.
You can't learn everything by reading about it, sometimes you need to experience and live it. 



Last day - Viimeinen päivä

The last full day has started with dancing and walking in the woods. Top two of yesterdays premade lessons was hold today and we had three child from finland with the group.

Viimeinen kokonainen päivä on alkanut tanssin ja metsessä kävelyn merkein. Eilen valmiiksi tehtyjen ja valittujen tuntien pidossa meillä oli mukana kolme suomalaista lasta. 

Pangea Performance art

As the performance group were successful after yesterdays challenge this morning they have been running their Pangea dance session. Explore the talents of individual groups and tribes, but that we are all part of one world.

The pictures show some of the tribes and the dance performance.


 

Forest Birds Birdfeeder

When I found out that one of the possible activities for today was to build your own bio-degradable bird feeder I got really excited. It's a brilliant idea and I am looking forward to make my own to take back to London!

Finland a country of staggering beauty


Check out this film about the Northern Lights

http://www.visitfinland.com/article/on-the-hunt-for-the-northern-lights

This website is worth a look

http://www.visitfinland.com


Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Wow what a fantastic week in Finland so far!





























Wow what a fantastic week in Finland so far! So nice to be learning along side people from over 10 different countries! The week has consisted of discussions around global issues, how as an international group we can work with young people to explore these issues to get them start thinking as global citizens!  Yesterday I got to visit a local secondary school in Kokkola. It was really interesting to find out about the finish education system and how they really do embrace the non-formal style of education through youth participation, music classes and international projects. 


Today my group developed a performance based /dance workshop called 'Pangea' looking at the theme of unity and how we want the young people to understand the importance of not looking at all the differences in the world but actually how we can be magnificent as one. It was really exciting to find out that  our idea was amongst one of the winners!! Eek! This means tomorrow we will have to deliver our activity to finish young people and the rest of the group. Wish us luck peeps! :-) 































So other highlights this week have been trying the traditional Finish sauna experience followed by running in to sea at night (yes crazy!), watching the beautiful sunset by the coast, the beautiful walks in the forest and getting to see elba's very own finish elves! Must not forget the sing song and games around the camp fire and the unending amounts of food! Yes I will be coming back a stone heavier arghh! Lol! 

Well it's out last full day tomorrow, I am excited though a little nervous too. Will keep you posted :-).

Thanks Janita

Wednesday!

What a lovely day!

Today we have all taken part in designing our own projects based on global 2020 education. We all were assigned different ways in exploring our issues such as through drama, nature, sport and photography. Our projects were then judged by a specialist judging panel and then two group projects were selected to run tomorrow. All the projects were fantastic and some great ideas were explored!

Then finally to top the night off we all went to the sauna and jumped in the sea. What an experience! Something that i will always remember!

Sadie Parish :) 
Sent from my Windows Phone

Believe it or not...

... there is a serious side to all this. Project managers give an update on progress - seven teams are preparing materials for workshops that can be put into real life use, starting tomorrow.

Effective teamwork is the key to success...

In response to the last post...


Maybe you need a new super heroe - the theme of our workshop. Come and visit us and we will give you some motivation

The film team

The Challenge has been set!

The challenge has been set and the teams have been decided.
As the Drama Team 1 we are working in the old house with the sun coming in the window.
Feeling confident about our plan and task ahead the real question is how 5
English, Spanish and German woman can contribute something original, a new resource for young people to engage in global issues.

Drama Team 1

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Impressions of Finland


My first impressions of Finland is it appears very organised and efficient. The airport seemed very relaxed and their was a sense of feeling safe it is a clean place which I immediately liked

Things which surprised me:

1. How quiet the streets are, not too many people or vehicles

2. How many forests there are between Helsinki and Kokkola. 

3. How changeable the weather can be

4. The people I've met so far appear more conservative than UK people but very friendly

5. Finally .... How beautiful it is travelling across the country in Autumn

Had a very warm welcome from Sanna

The one day challenge has been set...

Will the group complete the challenge to develop a 2020 resource case with lesson plans - find out tomorrow...

Class photo at the school...



A very inspirational visit to a high school in Kokkola today, thanks to Kati for setting this up we all really enjoyed the experience. Many European countries could learn a great deal from this educational system.

Global School

Brilliant day exploring Kokkola! Having the opportunity to see how life in Kiviniityn Koulu is structured was brilliant.
Teachers and students were very welcoming and it gave us the opportunity to think about what we can learn from them.

Particular favourite is the art work on the incredible resource suitcases that we learnt about today, have a feeling we will be working with these more! Exciting!

Ashling, UK

School visit and global school, kouluvierailu ja maailmankoulu

Today we have spent afternoon at visiting two different level of Finnish schools at Kokkola, primary school and secondary school. Also after school visits were done, we have spent few hours at center of Kokkola. We also had change to hear about Global school.

Tänään vietimme aamupäivän kouluvierailuiden merkeissä. Kävimme tutustumassa kahdessa eri Kokkolalaisessa koulussa, ala-asteella ja ylä-asteella. Kävimme myös Kokkolan keskustassa, jossa vietimme muutaman tunnin katsellen paikkoja. Tutustuimme myös Maailmankouluun.

-Kimmo Laine-

The 21st century human


Today's session was creating the 21st-century human being. The team had to discuss and decide on the qualities needed to be the ideal 21st century person. 

Hopefully this will be used later this week in the team challenge 


Monday, 29 September 2014

Greetings, ehtoota

After long day where we were learning things about 2020 project and after small walk to close by lighthouse, few brave participant went to sauna and to swim. While these brave participants were at sauna rest of the group light the campfire.

Pitkän päivän jälkeen jolloin opimme asioita 2020 projektista ja läheiselle majakalle tehdyn pienen kävelyretken jälkeen muutama rohkea osallistuja meni saunomaan ja uimaan. Sillä aikaan loppu ryhmästä sytytti tulen nuotioon.

-Kimmo Laine-

Finland trip

Buenas tardes a todos!!
Mi nombre es Alberto Baratas, un jóven español de 24 años que forma parte de las personas que han venido en representación de España. Mi experiencia con el mundo juvenil es amplia gracias a una empresa que fundé hace dos años llamada MIC Athletics. Sin embargo, he de decir que llevo menos de 48 horas en Finlandia dentro del programa Yputh in Action y todas mis valoraciones son positivas.
En primer lugar he de destacar la organización del evento, donde los responsables son conscientes de las actividades que tenemos que hacer en cada momento.
En segundo lugar es valorable la dedicación y entusiasmo que emplea cada uno de ellos para que nosotros nos sintamos como si estuviéramos en nuestra casa. Prueba de ello es que, tras 2 horas de una actividad de presentación y conocimiento de las personas, un miembro de la organización nos sorprendió cuando empezó uno por uno a llamar por su nombre a los más de 40 chicos que hemos venido al viaje.
Para continuar, me gustaría recalcar también el emplazamiento, Villa Elba, un sitio muy acogedor donde se puede disfrutar del bosque y del mar a tan sólo 2 minutos de distancia. Sin duda, poder disponer de un sitio así es un auténtico privilegio para todos.
Por último, comentar que las actividades que hemos realizado hasta ahora se adaptan y ajustan perfectamente al tema de la juventud, tratando de potenciar al máximo la creatividad individual de cada miembro dentro de un ambiente de trabajo en equipo.
La experiencia está siendo increíble y por mi parte invito a todo el mundo que luche por conseguir vivir una experiencia como esta ya que le va a servir para desarrollarse tanto como persona como profesionalmente hablando.

Un abrazo fuerte

Alberto Baratas

Day 2 at Villa Elba

Another beautiful morning here at Villa Elba for day 2. Having had the chance to get to know everyone really well yesterday I am excited to get started on the real issues that we are here to look at.
How can we create a better future for our young people? What tools and practise can we use? Let's get talking .....

Day one

Here's a few pictures from my first day! Some amazing views and amazing dancing during our intercultural evening! Roll on the rest of the week. 

Sadie