A working party is currently examining ways of increasing arts and science classes in schools as well as offering a greater selection of elective courses. Under the chairmanship of the director of the Finnish National Board of Education, Timo Lankinen, they are drawing up new recommendations for reforming the schedules and goals of education.
YLE surveyed unions representing teachers of various subjects.
Math, physics, chemistry and health sciences teachers were satisfied with the time they had to impart their knowledge to students. Representatives of biology and geography teachers did not respond to the survey, but they have told the working group of their desire for more class time.
The majority of teachers did feel that they needed at least one hour a week more for their subjects - but granting all of these requests would turn into a 40-hour school week.
"That's an impossibility," says Lankinen. The unions also clearly recognize that not everyone can be granted additional time in class. Many respondents say they would find extra time by decreasing the teaching time of health sciences and religion studies.
