opetussuunnitelmilla

Opetussuunnitelmilla is the plural form of the Finnish term for curricula, meaning documents that describe what is taught in schools, including aims, content, teaching methods, and assessment. The plural form is used when referring to multiple curricula across subjects, levels, or institutions.

In Finland, the education system operates on a layered curriculum concept. The national core curriculum for basic education (perusopetuksen opetussuunnitelman perusteet) provides the overarching aims, core content areas, and evaluation principles. Based on this core, municipalities and schools develop local curricula that adapt the framework to local circumstances, resources, and needs. In upper secondary and vocational education, there are separate national curricula and qualification requirements, while higher education has degree-specific study requirements.

A typical opetussuunnitelma includes: the overall aims and values guiding learning; subject areas and their core contents; progression and learning objectives across grades; agreed teaching methods and learning experiences; assessment practices and criteria; and implementation of cross-curricular themes such as digital competence, wellbeing, and sustainability.

The development and updating of curricula involve national education authorities, municipalities, schools, and teachers. The Ministry of Education and Culture, together with the Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus), oversees national guidance and materials, while local authorities tailor the curricula to local needs. Curricula are embodied in daily teaching through planning, instruction, and assessment, shaping what students learn and how their learning is evaluated across educational stages.