The city of Helsinki’s plan to reduce weighted, classroom-style teaching does not resonate at the pioneering music class activity school in Lahti.
The debate that flared up in the public about preventing the segregation of schools by reducing the emphasis on class-based teaching does not gain support in the pioneering music class activity school in Lahti.
Lotila elementary school was founded in Finland’s first elementary school, Lahti model music classes based on the Kodalý method were established in 1966. Since then, the model has spread all over Finland.
– It enriches the operating culture of the entire school, for example, through cooperation with various cultural actors in the city, such as Sinfonia Lahti. It increases the attractiveness of the whole city.
Students in Lotila’s music classes are selected based on an entrance exam. School success or hobbies do not affect admission to music classes, but the most important thing is the ability to absorb music.
– In this sense, it cannot be about shopping. Why shouldn’t the student have the opportunity to strengthen his own tendencies in a subject that is strong for him. In any case, parents have the right to choose a school for their child in their own area, says Sundberg.
Still, in the light of research, the majority of children from upper social classes, from Finnish-speaking families, end up studying in classes with an emphasis on teaching.
Dismantling the emphasis on education is not the solution to segregation
Sundberg marvels at the talk that the differentiation is due to emphasized teaching.
– We should really look at the reasons that lead to the separation of regions. The resource of special education and school assistants should be increased and the students’ Finnish language skills should be strengthened, as well as increased lesson resources for e.g. increasing reading skills.
According to Sundberg, abolishing weighting classes can increase the differentiation of regions.
– Residential areas can become even more differentiated when parents move elsewhere in search of a better school. The number of private schools is increasing, and there are no savings, Sundberg lists.
– The school’s own tolerant and egalitarian operating culture is of great importance in preventing segregation, and it does not depend on whether the school emphasizes teaching or what kind of parents the children have in the school.