Kotitehtävät

Kotitehtävät, meaning homework in Finnish, are assignments given by teachers to be completed outside school hours. They are common across Finnish schools and grade levels, though the amount and type of tasks vary by age, school policy, and individual needs. Typical tasks include written exercises from textbooks, reading assignments, problem sets, or small projects, as well as preparation for tests. The goals are to reinforce classroom learning, practice skills, foster study habits, and encourage independent work.

In Finland, the approach to kotitehtävät is influenced by the national core curriculum and by school-level policies that prioritize equality and well-being. In primary grades, many schools aim for a lighter homework load, focusing on meaningful tasks rather than quantity; in secondary education, homework tends to be more common and more specialized. Teachers tailor assignments to students’ abilities and make effort to provide clear instructions and timely feedback. Parents are typically encouraged to support rather than perform the work, with attention to a balanced daily routine.

Critics argue that excessive homework can cause unnecessary stress and may widen inequities if some students lack a supportive learning environment at home. Proponents contend that well-designed homework can reinforce learning, develop time management, and prepare students for higher grades. Overall, kotitehtävät are viewed as a supplementary element of education, whose value depends on design, age, and context.