More than 100 teachers and trainers from the Republic of Moldova have completed the “Active learning methods: the Finnish experience” programme, conducted between March and May 2026, which is set to enhance the way teaching and learning take place in schools. This is not only about introducing new methods or modern teaching techniques, but about transforming how students experience learning.

"Before changing methods, we need to change the learning experience, both for students and teachers. Sometimes students do not need more motivation; they need conditions that allow them to experience competence. Once that happens, engagement comes much more naturally. The same shift has also appeared in my work as a mentor," said Vladimir Vohmeanin, a teacher at “Mihail Koțiubinski” Theoretical High School in Chișinău city.

For many participants, the training experience also became an opportunity to reflect on their own teaching practice. "After analyzing my work following these courses, I realized that I was giving students too little autonomy and too little space to express themselves. From Finland’s experience, I learned how to better value students’ competencies and learning styles. Student autonomy does not mean losing control in the classroom; it means strengthening students’ knowledge and learning," emphasized Natalia Ursu, a teacher at “Vasile Alecsandri” Theoretical High School in Bălți city.

"School exists for the child and we should see, appreciate and value every child as they are. Let us be role-model teachers. If students perceive us as role models, we can build a model society together," said Corina Ceban, a teacher at the same high school in Bălți.

The training programme was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research and the National Institute for Education and Leadership (INEL), with funding provided by Norway. The initiative is part of the project “Transforming education in Moldova through Model Schools”.

"We have invested and continue to invest in school infrastructure, the organizational transformation of schools, and teacher professional development, including for the implementation of STEAM education. Throughout this journey, we have come to realize that student motivation does not depend on a new method, but on how students feel at school: whether they are heard, whether they are seen, and whether they can make mistakes without being criticized. These trainings were designed precisely to promote student-centered pedagogy grounded in the latest educational practices," said Ana Moraru, Project Manager at UNDP Moldova.

The courses were delivered by experts from Finland, widely recognized for their extensive experience in both general and special education pedagogy, as well as teacher training.

The programme addressed key themes for contemporary education, including evidence-based student motivation, active and interdisciplinary teaching methods, assessment strategies that support student progress, and reflection techniques that contribute to sustainable learning.

The impact of the initiative extends beyond its direct participants. The training materials and methodologies developed through the programme will be integrated into national continuous professional development programs for teachers, while the trained facilitators will further disseminate the knowledge within their own institutions and across schools throughout the country.

"Following these trainings, we have redesigned our workshops and programmes by introducing new knowledge-sharing and capacity-development activities. Our goal is to develop reflective teachers who understand why they act in a certain way in the classroom. At the same time, future teachers will be already prepared according to this model from the very beginning of their university studies," emphasized Viorica Cojocaru, Head of the Initial Teacher Education and Project Management Department at INEL.

The lessons brought from Finland therefore outline a clear direction for education in Moldova: a shift from teaching to learning, from control to autonomy, and from competition to collaboration. It is a change that begins in the classroom but has the potential to transform the entire education system.

UNDP and Norway also support the implementation of the international educational leadership program “School of the Future.” The initiative aims to modernize school management and transform schools into innovative and inclusive institutions that better respond to the needs of students and communities.

In addition, more than 60 teachers from model schools have been trained to implement STEAM education, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics and provides students with opportunities to investigate, experiment, and develop creative solutions to real-world problems, both within their schools and in their communities. Through this approach, students develop not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, critical thinking, and collaboration competencies, preparing them for the challenges of the modern world.