‘Every Indian parent needs to read’: Actor Madhavan on Finland's education system - No homework, no exams till 16

Discussions surrounding the Indian education system have always been a hot topic. Now, Dhurandhar 2 actor R Madhavan seems to have joined the debate. For those unaware, the 56-year-old is not new to sharing insightful and fascinating updates on social media that make fans pause, think and reflect. This time was no exception. Madhavan recently re-shared a post by Noida CEO Mukesh Sharma on his Instagram Stories, which highlighted Finland's unconventional approach to schooling, banning homework since 1985, as compared to India. The thought-provoking post also emphasises why every Indian parent should also pay attention to the Nordic policy.

Why Finland abolished homework

As per the post, Finland did some research on how homework impacts children and found something uncomfortable. Homework was not improving learning; instead, it was increasing stress, reducing sleep, and killing the opportunity for children to be great learners and curious. Hence, the authorities decided to remove it.


Now, children in Finland do not have to do homework and appear in standardized tests until the age of 16. Since there are no rankings, comparisons, competition or pressure, kids have the space to think for themselves, spend more time playing and grow up happy. Interestingly, teachers were put through a minimum of 5 years of training. They put everything into teachers. Minimum 5 years of training, full autonomy to students in the classroom and every child taught at their own pace.

What India does differently

The post painted a typical scenario commonly found in most Indian households: A 10-year-old wakes up early, sits in school all day, comes home to finish their homework and then goes to tuition in the evening as a result working longer hours than most adults in the name of ‘preparation’.

As parents, the post advised them to bring change by protecting a child’s curiosity at home. It urged parents to ask their kids what they found interesting today, instead of constantly questioning them about their homework. It also suggested that children must spend their weekends away from homework stress, doing what they love and engaging in co-curricular activities.