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Hokkaido University launched a four-part open-workshop series entitled Finnish Education for Self-learning initiated under the auspices of the Hokkaido University Education Good Practice (GP) project. Associate Prof. Fumihito Ikeda (Graduate School of Science's Department of Natural History Sciences, Center for Research and Development in Higher Education) lectured on the well known Finnish characters the Moomins. This open workshop is a sequel to the well-received 5th Hokkaido University Education Good Practice (GP) seminar, Finnish Education for Self-learning - The Power of Dialogue to Shape the World, that Prof. Ikeda also lectured for in August 2009, but was planned with more emphasis on dialogue with participants. The first workshop, held on October 17 on the theme of Finnish Education and the Moomins outlined how Tove Jansson, illustrator and writer of The Moomins, formed her stories. Professor Ikeda interwove a synopsis of the Finn Family Moomintroll, a particularly popular book among the nine books in the Moomin series, with an explanation of Finnish education. He explains that Finnish education stresses that independence is formed through resolving individuality through interaction with others. While introducing specific examples of lessons given at Finnish elementary and junior high schools, he outlined how the independence of individual children is pursued by respecting the individual by cultivating diversity, allowing freedom of expression and action, and encouraging interaction with others. In the latter half of the workshop, participants asked a range of questions on topics from the Finnish educational system, textbook composition, evaluation perspectives, and similarities and differences between the original works of the Moomins and the Japanese TV cartoon series featuring the stories. Prof. Ikeda wore a Moomin tie, and participants enjoyed interaction through amicable dialogue.
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