Finland’s Approach to Student Assessment: What We Can Learn

Finland’s education system has long been admired for its equity, innovation, and student-centered approach. Unlike many traditional education models that rely on frequent, high-stakes testing, Finland prioritizes continuous, personalized, and formative assessment methods that evaluate a student’s holistic development rather than just their ability to perform under pressure.

One of the most notable differences between Finland and many other countries is its unique approach to student assessment. Rather than relying on standardized exams to determine a student’s academic ability, Finnish educators focus on assessing students' creativity, problem-solving skills, and long-term progress through alternative methods that encourage deep learning and personal growth. This ensures that learning is not just about passing tests but about truly understanding concepts, applying knowledge in real-world situations, and fostering a love for lifelong learning.

Many education systems worldwide place a heavy emphasis on frequent, high-stakes examinations to measure student achievement. These systems often lead to rote memorization, increased student anxiety, and a narrow focus on test preparation rather than conceptual understanding. Finland, however, takes a different route—one that prioritizes student well-being, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking over test scores and rigid academic rankings. Instead of reducing education to a series of numbers and statistics, Finnish schools focus on helping each student grow as an individual, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

This article explores how Finland assesses students, why its approach is effective, and what other countries can learn from it. By understanding Finland’s education model, educators, policymakers, and school administrators can gain insights into how to create a more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful assessment system that fosters both academic excellence and student well-being.

1. No Standardized Testing: A Radical Yet Effective Approach

Why Finland Avoids Standardized Testing

Unlike many other nations, Finland does not implement nationwide standardized tests to rank schools or evaluate students. The only standardized test students take is the Matriculation Examination, which is optional and taken at the end of upper secondary school (ages 18-19). The Finnish philosophy behind avoiding standardized testing is simple:

• Every student is different, so a single test cannot accurately measure learning progress.
• Students should be assessed on their strengths and skills, not just their ability to take tests.
• Teachers, rather than centralized exams, should be responsible for student evaluation.

Instead of using exams as a one-size-fits-all measurement, Finnish educators focus on personalized assessments that reflect each student’s progress.

The Role of the National Curriculum

Although Finland does not rely on standardized testing, it does have a national curriculum framework that guides student learning. However, this curriculum is flexible and adaptable. Teachers are trusted to modify it based on student needs, allowing for personalized instruction and assessment rather than rigid exam preparation.

2. Teacher-Led Assessments: Trusting Educators to Evaluate Students

Teachers as the Primary Evaluators

In Finland, teachers, not external exam boards, are responsible for assessing students. Since teachers are highly trained professionals—every Finnish teacher must hold a master’s degree in education—they are trusted to design assessments that align with both national learning goals and individual student needs. Unlike in many other countries where assessments are dictated by external testing agencies, Finnish teachers have the freedom to develop customized evaluation methods that best suit their students. This autonomy allows them to assess students holistically, considering their strengths, weaknesses, creativity, and growth over time.

The philosophy behind teacher-led assessment is rooted in trust and professionalism. The Finnish government ensures that teachers receive rigorous training in assessment techniques during their education, equipping them with the ability to make informed, fair, and comprehensive evaluations of student learning. Instead of using one-time, high-stakes tests, Finnish teachers continuously monitor student progress, making adjustments to instruction and support based on each student’s evolving needs.

How Teachers Assess Students

Instead of standardized tests, Finnish teachers use a variety of continuous assessment methods, each designed to evaluate both academic knowledge and broader competencies such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. These methods include:

Classroom Observations

Teachers engage in ongoing, real-time assessments of student learning by observing participation, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and engagement in classroom discussions and group activities. These observations allow teachers to track student progress naturally without the need for formal exams.

For example, a science teacher might assess students by observing how they apply scientific reasoning during an experiment, noting their ability to hypothesize, analyze data, and draw conclusions rather than simply grading a multiple-choice test.

Portfolios and Projects

Students compile portfolios of their work, including essays, creative projects, research assignments, and collaborative exercises. This method provides a longitudinal view of student progress, showcasing not only what students have learned but how their understanding and skills have evolved over time.

A Finnish literature teacher, for instance, might assess a student’s ability to analyze texts through a portfolio containing essays, book reviews, and creative writing assignments, rather than relying on a single test score.

Oral Examinations and Presentations

Instead of relying solely on written tests, Finnish teachers use oral examinations and presentations to assess a student’s ability to communicate ideas clearly, think critically, and engage in meaningful discussions. This method ensures that students are developing skills essential for real-world applications, such as public speaking, reasoning, and persuasive communication.

For example, in history classes, students may be asked to deliver a presentation on a historical event, demonstrating their ability to connect historical themes to modern-day issues, rather than merely memorizing dates and facts.

Teacher-Student Conferences

Teachers regularly schedule one-on-one meetings with students to discuss their academic progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. These sessions allow students to actively participate in their own assessment process, fostering a growth mindset and self-awareness.

For example, in mathematics, a teacher might review a student’s problem-solving process, helping them identify where they struggle and guiding them toward independent problem-solving strategies, rather than simply marking answers as right or wrong.

Peer and Self-Assessment

Finnish schools encourage students to engage in self-reflection and peer evaluation, teaching them how to assess their own work and provide constructive feedback to others. This practice enhances self-awareness, accountability, and the ability to recognize strengths and areas for improvement.

For example, students in a visual arts class might be asked to critique their own artwork, explaining their creative choices and identifying areas they would like to refine, while also providing thoughtful feedback to their classmates.

Why This Approach Works

Teacher-led assessment in Finland is effective because it is personalized, student-focused, and development-driven. Rather than being a mere measurement tool, assessment is integrated into daily learning, helping students understand their progress and continuously improve.

This approach also ensures that students are evaluated based on their individual growth rather than comparison to others, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. By moving away from rigid, high-stakes testing, Finnish education allows students to learn without fear, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation.

Teachers as the Primary Evaluators

In Finland, teachers, not external exam boards, are responsible for assessing students. Since teachers are highly trained professionals—every Finnish teacher must hold a master’s degree in education—they are trusted to design assessments that align with both national learning goals and individual student needs.

3. Formative Assessment: A Focus on Growth, Not Competition

What is Formative Assessment?

A core principle of Finland’s assessment system is formative assessment, which means that students are assessed continuously throughout the year rather than being judged based on final exams.

Key Features of Formative Assessment in Finland:

• Frequent, Low-Stress Feedback – Teachers provide students with regular, detailed feedback rather than just numerical grades.
• Student Reflection and Goal-Setting – Students play an active role in their learning process, helping them develop independence and self-regulation.
• Assessing Skills Beyond Academics – Teachers evaluate creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence alongside academic knowledge.

This system ensures that students see assessment as a tool for growth rather than a punishment. Instead of fearing failure, students learn to view mistakes as an essential part of their learning journey.

The Psychological Benefits of Finland’s Assessment Model

The absence of high-stakes testing and the presence of continuous, supportive assessment significantly reduce student anxiety. Studies have shown that Finnish students report lower levels of academic stress compared to their peers in countries with frequent standardized testing. The focus on learning for mastery rather than competing for grades fosters a love for learning and encourages students to explore subjects deeply.

4. The Role of Student Well-Being in Assessment

How Finland Prioritizes Well-Being in Education

Finland strongly believes that student well-being is directly linked to academic success. Unlike systems where students are pressured by exams, Finnish students experience an education that balances academic learning with social-emotional growth.

Some key aspects that ensure student well-being in assessment include:

• Less Homework, More Rest – Finnish students have minimal homework, ensuring they have time to relax, pursue hobbies, and spend time with family.
• Frequent Breaks and Outdoor Time – Schools incorporate regular breaks to allow students to recharge, promoting better focus and mental health.
• Teacher-Student Relationships – Since teachers are responsible for student assessment, they develop strong personal relationships with students, making feedback more meaningful and supportive.

By embedding well-being into the assessment process, Finland ensures that students develop not just academic knowledge but also confidence, resilience, and intrinsic motivation.

5. What the World Can Learn from Finland’s Assessment Approach

Lessons for Other Education Systems

The Finnish model challenges the notion that testing is the only way to measure student success. Countries looking to reform their assessment methods can learn valuable lessons from Finland’s approach:

• Shift from Standardized Testing to Continuous Assessment – High-stakes exams can be replaced with ongoing evaluations that provide deeper insights into student growth.
• Empower Teachers as Assessors – Trusting teachers to design assessments allows for more meaningful, personalized learning experiences.
• Prioritize Student Well-Being – Reducing stress and test anxiety leads to happier, more motivated learners.
• Assess a Broader Range of Skills – Academic knowledge is important, but so are critical thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.

Final Thoughts

Finland’s approach to assessment proves that students do not need constant testing to achieve academic excellence. By focusing on individual growth, teacher-led evaluations, and student well-being, Finland has created an education system that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning.

Countries aiming to improve their education systems can look to Finland as a model—one that values students as individuals and sees assessment as a tool for development rather than a system of ranking and competition.

Experience Finland’s Education Model Firsthand

Want to see Finland’s student-centered assessment approach in action? Book a school visit today and witness how education can be transformed when learning—not testing—is the priority.

‍