A teacher training initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is reshaping classroom practices in Moldova by introducing Finland’s widely recognized education methods to improve student learning outcomes and engagement.
More than 100 teachers and trainers across the country have completed the “Active learning methods: the Finnish experience” programme, conducted between March and May 2026. The initiative focuses on shifting education practices toward student-centered learning, where autonomy, engagement, and competence-building take priority over traditional lecture-based instruction.
The programme emphasizes that improving education is not only about adopting new techniques, but about changing the overall learning experience for both students and teachers. Educators involved in the training reported that the approach encouraged them to rethink classroom dynamics, giving students greater independence while maintaining structured guidance.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with Moldova’s Ministry of Education and Research and the National Institute for Education and Leadership (INEL), is funded by Norway. It is part of a broader effort to modernize Moldova’s education system through the “Transforming education in Moldova through Model Schools” project.
Experts from Finland delivered the training, sharing methodologies based on evidence-driven teaching, active learning strategies, interdisciplinary approaches, and assessment methods designed to support continuous student development. The programme also highlights reflective teaching practices aimed at improving long-term learning outcomes.
Officials involved in the project noted that student motivation is strongly influenced by classroom environment, including whether learners feel heard, respected, and supported. The training therefore encourages teachers to foster inclusive and flexible learning spaces that prioritize student autonomy and collaboration.
Beyond direct participants, the initiative is expected to have a wider systemic impact. Training materials and methods developed through the programme will be integrated into national teacher development systems, allowing the approach to be scaled across schools nationwide.
The education reform effort also includes complementary initiatives such as leadership development programmes for school administrators and expanded STEAM education training for teachers. These efforts aim to equip students with practical skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while promoting creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Together, these reforms reflect a broader shift in Moldova’s education system toward modern, learner-centered practices inspired by successful international models, with the goal of building a more inclusive and effective learning environment for future generations.
