Jenni's Workshops

Teaching Math the Finnish Way

This workshop is designed to explore the core principles and practical applications of Finnish mathematics education by delving into the strategies that have propelled Finland to the forefront of global education. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and real-world scenarios, we'll uncover insights that can enrich your teaching practices and inspire your students by adapting the renowned Finnish approach to your South African classroom.

Finland's consistent high performance in international assessments like PISA often sparks curiosity. But what creates these impressive scores? This workshop moves beyond statistical hype to reveal the pedagogical philosophies that underpin Finnish math education. Participants will rotate through stations to:

• Apply math to real-world economics like budgeting and cost analysis using local examples.

• Engage in hands-on building to explore spatial reasoning and geometric concepts with easily accessible materials.

• Collect, interpret, and visualize data from local phenomena to discuss its real-world implications.

We'll explore a system that prioritizes equality, student-centered learning, inquiry-based approaches, and formative assessment over high-stakes testing. 

In Finland we believe the best way to learn is by doing, reflecting, and discussing and that is what we do in this workshop, too!

Bringing Movement into Your Lessons - Schools on the Move

One of the key initiatives within the Finnish education system is the 'Finnish Schools on the Move' program. It goes beyond traditional sports and PE lessons, focusing on integrating movement into all subjects and breaks. The goal is to create a more active and engaging learning environment, which has been shown to improve students' concentration, well-being, and overall academic performance. In Finland, we rethink traditional approaches. This includes reducing sedentary time, supporting learning through active methods and encouraging movement during breaks. Each school implements a more active school day in its own unique way. 

But why is this so effective? We'll explore the compelling research behind active learning, demonstrating how movement stimulates brain function, improves focus, enhances memory retention, and fosters creativity. When students are physically engaged, their brains are more alert and receptive, leading to a more profound and lasting understanding of concepts. In this interactive workshop, we will move beyond theory: you will engage in practical examples such as Micro-Breaks, design Active Zones for your schoolyard, and apply digital resources (e.g., YouTube) for ready-made brain breaks. This approach moves beyond rote memorization, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving in dynamic ways. Finally, you will leave with a tangible Active School Action Plan tailored to your environment and a Resource Toolkit containing a 'Movement Menu' of tested activities.