Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2019 Issue 5 Volume 6 | Page 11

Advertorial SHOWCASING FINNISH EDUCATION INNOVATIONS AT FINNISH EDUCATION EXPO MIDDLE EAST AND GESS 2019 KATIA AL-KAISI @katiakaisi It has been an extremely busy season in the Mr. Heinonen talked about how to educate, The Finnish visit was largely noted in the prepare and train in an uncertain and UAE media. The National printed an article complex world for a future that we cannot about the use of gamification in education predict and how collaboration between the and EdArabia published interviews with school, home and society in general is the Riku Alkio from Seppo.io and Aino Kuronen only way to maximize every learner’s from Kide Science. The extensive social potential – improved participation, media coverage (@finnisheduexpo, attainment and progression being the key @eduhousefinland, #FinnEduExpoME) takeaways. showcased what the best education system in the world has to offer. "THE CORE OF THE FINNISH NATIONAL CURRICULUM IS TO LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE LEARNER AS A HUMAN BEING AND AS A CITIZEN." The true interest we saw from regional educators left us humble and very excited for the future potential of Finnish education solutions in the region. A principal from Al- Ain summarized his feelings and thoughts after the conference with the following quote: "My biggest takeaway from @FinnishEduExpo was how willing the Finnish educators are to share ideas without bragging on their success or shooting down people with different perspectives. Great job”. UAE for the education scene in general and Finnish education in particular. The first ever Finnish Education Expo Middle East organized by Education House Finland was held successfully in Dubai in February. The event brought together school and nursery leaders and education experts from the Gulf region and Finland, with a focus on mutual learning and collaboration. The Expo was followed by GESS Dubai, The Leading Education Conference & Exhibition in the Middle East, where twenty Finnish The core of the Finnish national curriculum We will move forward on this basis. is to look at the development for the learner Education House Finland as a human being and as a citizen. Deep learning, the vital skill needed to succeed in the 21st centaury, is not about teaching to is a company based in Dubai, helping memorize, i.e. committing something to Finnish education innovations work memory, but about learning to learn. in a local context in the Middle East. Teaching just for tests and exams does not www.educationhousefinland.com create individuals who are able to apply their learning for critical thinking, problem @eduhousefinland solving, communication and collaboration. companies and exhibitors showcased their products and offerings to more than 12000 education professionals. The Finnish Pavilion was amongst the most visited areas of the Exhibition and eight different companies obtained ten separate nominations in the GESS Education Awards finals.  The Finnish furniture company Isku’s Kivikko seat was awarded The best sustainable product and EdTech company Claned won the category of Best paid educational app or software. Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, the Director General of the Finnish National Agency for Education, visited Dubai in February delivering three impactful keynotes at The Finnish Education Expo, The GESS Dubai Conference and Innovation Arabia. Class Time | | May - Jun 2019 | 11