Peruskäsitteet

Peruskäsitteet is a Finnish term meaning "basic concepts." In education it refers to the essential ideas, terms, and mental models that underpin a subject area. A set of peruskäsitteet represents the core vocabulary and concepts that students are expected to understand and be able to apply, forming the foundation for later learning.

In Finland the concept is used in the national core curriculum and in teachers’ planning. Peruskäsitteet guide what is taught at different grade levels, how topics are linked, and how students’ understanding is assessed. The aim is to create coherence across grades and to develop transferable understanding.

Examples vary by subject, but common peruskäsitteet include: in mathematics, numbers and operations; in science, matter and energy; in language, meaning and grammar; in social studies, community and rights. The exact lists are updated as knowledge and pedagogy evolve.

Used thoughtfully, peruskäsitteet support conceptual learning, enabling students to connect ideas across topics rather than memorize isolated facts. Critics warn that rigid lists risk oversimplification if not integrated with inquiry and flexibility.