The Philosophy that governs the Danish Education System

Those of you who have had an experience with the Danish Education System probably know it is quite unique. There are aspects of it that are quite visible, such as dialogue-based education and a less competitive culture. But what often escapes the eye is why it is the way it is. We aim at highlighting the philosophy that makes the Danish educational system what it is —unique!

There are different reasons why expat students come to Denmark. Some believe that the system is innovative, others are attracted to the relaxed culture, and yet others are here to join their family.

When Yvette Sindilariu moved to Denmark from Germany in 2008 and enrolled at Aarhus Tech, she had no prejudices. “The Danish system offers freedom that we lack in the German study pattern. I enjoyed managing the study plan all by myself. Of course, I asked for help when I needed and I sure got it”, Yvette shares. The question, however, is whether younger expat children would be as proactive as the system demands them to be.

“We trust students to be motivated. We expect them to be critical. But the system by itself is modest” agrees Lotte Rahbek Schou, Lecturer at the Danish School of Education (DPU) and expert on new teaching methods in Denmark. “Here in Denmark, we stimulate the student’s involvement through dialogue-based education. By “education”, we mean not just imparting knowledge but a ‘wholesome’ development of an individual”, she adds.

As expats, we often fear that our children may not be well-prepared for the competitive world that lies beyond the land of the Janteloven, the Scandinavian mentality of discouraging individuality and   refusing to acknowledge individual effort by placing all emphasis on the collective. To that Lotte responds, “Although only 8% of school leaders are in agreement that competitive exams are the way to progressive education, DPU is keen on implementing the system in the name of Globalization”.

Recent changes in the Danish educational system have promoted a shift from progressivism to a conservative policy based on scores from achievement tests. Research has demonstrated that such systems have failed in numerous ways in other countries and focusing on test scores has often had unintended consequences. However, mandatory national tests have been introduced along with regular assessments and performance-based final objectives. A new Education Act has been developed, mandating requirements for written progress reports for individual students twice a year, as well as annual school reports on overall academic achievements.[1]

Research has also shown that teachers at DPU have an irresistible urge to motivate students to fair well in these evaluations. “But the focus is not just on theory and exams,” says Signe Høiberg Facius, teacher at the Efterskolen-Ådalen. “At the Efterskolen, our aim is to lay the foundation for a strong self-esteem and help students discover their inner self. I would never give up the progressive philosophies on which our education system is founded!”, she stresses. Most teachers in Denmark today are worried that the stress imposed on academia and exams are taking over the traditional teaching system that they call “humanistic”. “The best way to prepare students for the future is by helping them know who they are. Theory is restrictive. Self-esteem and creativity are the basis on which they step out from here”, states Signe.

But is this concept of high “self-esteem” a shocking reality for us expats? Dr. Mohit Kothari, who is pursuing a doctorate at Aarhus University, answers: “It took me six full months to be able to come to terms with the fact that it was okay to question my professor! The Danish system lacks the hierarchy I was used to back in India and Singapore. And although it took me some time to get used to, I think it has opened me up as a person.”

So, does that mean that high self-esteem can prepare one for the tough competition outside Denmark? “Competition is used as a negative word here”, says Lotte. “By attending to the psychological, sociological, philosophical and anthropological development of students, we aim to make them democratic” she corrects. She states that the system is designed so that students can learn to be democratic instinctively. And by “democratic” she means the right to exercise opinion, individuality, creativity and criticism.

“My Danish colleagues are fearless. They address professors by their first name and question them without hesitation. This truly makes ideas constructive”, comments Dr. Mohit Kothari. Authority in Denmark is not based on titles. “No spoon-feeding, no mind-blocks; just productive learning”, he adds.

So is it this hidden curriculum that has led to a flat-structured society promoting equality amongst all? The Danish Education system promotes creativity and lives up to the true definition of democracy. The involvement of students is institutionalized through this unique dialogue-based or shared educational system and, intrinsic motivation is evident with over 50% of the population continuing up to the University level. The foundation is strong yet flexible, and an expat can continue building on it forever.

If you have been hesitant about your child or yourself being pampered by a culture that doesn’t believe in competition, think again. This innovative teaching methodology is sure to help expats profit and mature into liberal, equal and strong individuals.

DID YOU KNOW?

That according to Danish law any group of parents can collect 50 students and start a school that follows its own unique teaching methods, and also get 75% of funding from the State?

LOTTE OFFERS TIPS FOR EXPAT PARENTS

• Visit the prospective school/schools, talk to the teachers, the headmaster, parents of children studying there, and then choose a school that suits your interests.
• Participate actively in meetings organized by the school for parents and communicate regularly with teachers.
• Stay up-to-date with school activities and engage as much as possible.
• Socialize with other parents, even outside of school activities.
• Try to choose a school close to home, so that your child has friends in the locality.
• Learning Danish is a great way to integrate and help your child integrate too.
• 
  

[1] Source - Lotte Rahbek Schou, “Danish Teacher Attitudes towards National Student Testing: A Comparison between NCLB and Danish National Testing Standards”, pp. 185-199 in: Donald K. Sharpes (ed.), Handbook On International Studies In Education. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Insight-Magazine-3938037?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

After years in Denmark as foreigners (and clearly so) filled with positive experiences, sadly our family had to witness something completely different.

All we usually arouse in Danes or people from countries other than ours is curiosity, interest in our food, culture, language, religion, and the list could be endless.

A couple of days ago in the late afternoon we were getting ready to go shopping and I was scolding our 2-year-old daughter for trying to run away, while making her sit on the stroller. Ripu, my husband, in the meantime was standing holding our 3-month-old son, waiting for his turn to be kept in the stroller.

A real Italian is loud, and especially so while scolding a child, so I guess our  loudness drew attention on us… Anyway, two young men were walking towards us, and after passing by and turning the corner they started shouting. We couldn’t really get the words, but the tone itself made the meaning crystal clear. When Ripu took a step back to look at them, they turned and said they would be back.

How many thoughts came to my mind: are they really coming back? If so, what are they planning to do? Are we supposed to argue with these drunkards (oh yes, they had had a bit too much to drink)? Will they spit on us, will we need to physically fight? Can they have a knife with them or anything else that can be used to harm others? While keeping the phone in my pocket I just reminded myself that the emergency number is 112, so that would be my plan of action in case things would get… bad.

We started walking towards the supermarket and we saw them coming back. We kept walking, and when we got close to them one of them asked Ripu “Kan jeg snakke med dig?” ("Can I talk to you?") Talk?? Are you serious? You’ve just abused us (and scared at least one of us). We just left with my Sardarji gently addressing them in his native tongue ;-)

OK they were kind of drunk, OK Denmark is usually a safe place, OK nothing serious happened; still they managed to spoil our moods real bad, so we kept walking in silence for the rest of the time. I had many things in mind, I was afraid they would follow us, and I still hope they won’t come to bother us again, now that they know where we live.

Yet what hurt most was the thought of my children having to experience this, even though none of them actually realised what was going on. I still wonder how these young men could behave like that in front of my babies. If not the sight of children, what else can remind us that we are all equally human?

-------------

Admin Note: Have the differences/uniqueness in you attracted the attention of others (good or bad). If yes, we would like to hear about it! Please share your thoughts by posting in the 'comment box'.

Most of us, Indians, had their first encounter with snow in Denmark. And the only ice we ever came in contact with until then was kept in the plastic mold in our freezer that served as a life giver in the staunching heat in India. So, it’s quite understandable that the current weather would amuse us, amaze us, awe us and would be a bit of a pain as well. The irony is that most of the Danes are feeling the same way. They are amused, amazed, awed and pained by the excruciating winter freeze that has engulfed Denmark and much of Northern Europe.  

And it’s hard to miss the impact it’s making on people’s lives when you watch news reports of passengers stranded at the major airports in Europe, or when you drive on the highway at 60km/hr and very frequently see vehicles tossed and smashed, or when you hear that Autohjælp had the busiest day ever, when it received 5300 calls from stranded drivers across Denmark. And a day when, referring to the weather, one of your 55-years-old colleague comes and tells you that this is the first time in her life she has seen anything like this, you are overwhelmed by the fact that you are actually witnessing something that might find reference in the journals.

But the beauty this intense weather brings along with it is unmatchable. How the rays from a sublime sun at the horizon cut through snow laden trees and glitter the ice crystals on the surface of the snow is a sight that warms your body and freezes you soul. You feel as if you are a part of a huge canvas and you are ready to sacrifice many summers just for that momentary glance.

One cannot get all the best in the world. But we can at least try to pick the best from the worlds we live in!

Happy vacations and a lovely winter!

This was going on in my mind for the last couple of days and i decided to write it down in my own blog. Then I thought it might be a good idea for an open discussion here.....

Which one are you/would you rather be ? Would either one come to a conclusion as to who is more of the useful kind in the real world ?

(Whether you are the one in the white coat sticking a thermometer under someone's tongue or the one in the white coat pippetting all night long, it doesn't matter... we are all lab rats and we would probably remain so for the rest of our lives inspite of everything that i have just jotted down ....)

You are completely stressed out and exhausted. You hardly got any sleep last night ...again ! Inspite of working harder with not much of a financial gain as expected and more personal compromises, the senior authorities always seem to be dissatisfied. Hardly any sympathy from the public and their demands only seem to be increasing everyday. The services no longer receive the deserved acknowledgement and if anything the public only seem to be less grateful day by day. Any amount of experience still doesnt seem to be good enough and government's fidilities with the funding and buying of equipments only leaves you more frustrated. The numerous advanced degrees and accolades hanging on the wall in your dingy office are merely covering up that hole in the wall you made when you were frustrated which only left you with swollen knuckles and not a thing changed . The external rewards and appreciation, autonomy and job security are that of the past. Peer pressure, highly criticizing authorities, the precarious condition of your relationship with your spouse/parter due to lack of devoting enough time to him/her, being at the mercy of another collaborating specialist who drives you crazy with his condesceding attitude, when you try to sleep your brain starts churning again thinking 'when will i ever settle down in a permanant job and breathe properly again' ..... does this briefly sum up your life at the moment ?
What keeps you going on ?? - Perhaps your dedication to your field / interesting work /passion for whatever it is that you are doing eventhough you are cursing yourself day in and day out for choosing this in the first place / making a difference however big/small in the society and seeing that happen ???

So that brings me back to the same question - which one are you/would you rather be and who would you say is more of the useful kind for the society ?