Runkoyksiköt

Runkoyksiköt, meaning "trunk units" or "core units" in Finnish, is a term primarily used in the context of the Finnish school system. It refers to the foundational educational content and learning objectives that all students are expected to achieve within a given subject. These units form the essential core of the curriculum, ensuring a common baseline of knowledge and skills across different schools and municipalities.

The concept of runkoyksiköt is closely tied to the national core curriculum. While the national curriculum provides the overarching guidelines, the runkoyksiköt break these down into more specific, manageable learning modules. Teachers and schools then build upon these core units, adding depth, breadth, and specific pedagogical approaches tailored to their students' needs and local contexts.

The purpose of runkoyksiköt is to promote educational equity and coherence. By defining a set of fundamental learning outcomes, they help guarantee that all students receive a consistent and comprehensive education, regardless of where they live. This also aids in the standardization of assessments and the smooth transition of students between different educational stages. The implementation and exact definition of runkoyksiköt can vary slightly depending on the subject and the educational level, but the underlying principle of a standardized core remains consistent.