The fact that the differences between the strongest and the weakest students in Finland are the smallest in the world, suggests that there are at least a few things we can learn from them. Many Finnish children, in their formative years, learn through play, conversation and socializing. Rightly, that is what you will find at Kide Science. Positioned on the first and second floor of a three-storey end lot in Kota Kemuning, this centre is Kide Science’s first venture into Malaysia. The convenient accessibility of the location and ample parking spaces are an added plus. Behind those large façade panels is a clear identity that nicely reflects the notion that drives the education system in Finland – “Less is More”. Learning spaces are aesthetically marked by minimalism, and simple design choices that promote functionality and a sense of coziness. There is an abiding attention to create a supportive, children-centric environment, one that stimulates and builds on children’s innate curiosity.
Research-based Finnish Education Expertise
Kide Science is a forerunner in early childhood science education that promotes sustainable development in the local educational landscape. It is a science academy that offers a hands-on, heads-on and hearts-on focus on science to children aged 3 to 8 years. The science education program is built on research-based knowledge derived from the doctoral dissertation by Jenni Vartiainen, researcher at the University of Helsinki and founder of Kide Science. The learning environment, pedagogical approaches and concepts exhibit the culmination of years of extensive research work that consolidates play and improved learning outcomes in science education for young children.
Exhilarating and Transformative Experience Using the Best Multidisciplinary Solutions
While many Malaysian parents perpetually chase for “More is More” in education and final assessment scores to indicate their child’s strengths, at Kide Science, the cultural mantra “The work of a child is to play” is put into common practice. The programs leverage play-based and phenomenon-based practices in early childhood science education to support the curiosity, enthusiasm and explorative minds of young children. Children’s curiosity about the world is a powerful catalyst for their learning. With the guidance of a team of skillful and highly-trained teachers, this curiosity becomes the foundation for children to use skills of inquiry to explore basic phenomena and materials surrounding their world. During the learning process, children explore the selected phenomenon and materials, experience what they are and can do, raise questions, share ideas and work collaboratively with peers. Then comes deeper explorations involving observing, predicting, planning and collecting findings.
The structure is not rigid; it resembles closely to how scientists work but in a fun way through storytelling, drama-based instructions, hands-on activities and experiential learning. Teachers use creative play acting and dialogic interaction as a teaching tool to illuminate facts and concepts, heighten focused inquiry and keep children actively involved in the learning process. Within this context, children are immersed in an extraordinary story world, set on a mission to help a group of fictional scientist friends – Esther, Kelvin, Pi, Hoseli the robot and Mrs. Noblegas – achieve their objectives and develop an understanding of a breadth of science topics. Conforming to the guiding principle of “Less is More”, there are no rankings, no comparisons or competition between children; there are no mandated standardized tests in this program and progress is analyzed through ongoing observations.
Digital Learning Tool – Supraland
In addition, children have the option to access a supportive digital learning tool – Supraland. In this digital world, Hoseli the Robot will bring children on an exciting adventure uncovering science experiments that similarly leverages on storytelling to boost focus and effective understanding. Key features include the use of easily accessible everyday household materials, scientific explanations and video tutorials.
Teacher Training and Support
High attention is placed on training teachers to reach their full potential with informed understanding of pedagogical science knowledge, children attitudes and behaviours, and dialogic and drama-based approaches to engage children. Teachers are also put in touch with an online network community of other experienced teachers from Finland to share good pedagogical practices and support each other.
A Societal and Global Impactor
This early science exploration program does not only serve to build a basis for future scientific understanding, it is also fertile ground for the cultivation of many other important skills and attitudes for learning. It is a vehicle for the development of critical thinking, problem solving, communication and social skills, as well as confidence, independence and positive self-esteem. Children are taught how to figure things out for themselves and be problem-solvers, which prepares them for what life will bring in the years to come. This is a collaborative endeavour to build foundational experiences that will not only benefit the children but also the society, all central to “Making a Better Future for the Children Together”.
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