The educational system of Iceland has its roots in two traditions: The catholic tradition on one and the Tradition of the Icelandic literature on the other hand. One of the first Monastery schools was founded in 1056 in Skálholt (where the residence of the Bishop is), were Reading, Writing, Theology, Singing and Poetry was taught there. During this time, the Catholic Church was (not only in Iceland) a very wealthy landowner with extraordinarily much social power, which means that the economical basis for their schools was very stable at that time.
The beginning of the literary tradition can also be found in the middle ages. Since that time, it is a part of the Icelandic culture that children should learn how to read properly. After the reformation, this tradition was institutionalized. The parents got the order to teach their kids in Reading and Christianity, which was controlled by their responsible priests on a regular basis. The rule was that every kid should be able to read up to their confirmation. At the end of the 18th century, Iceland was one of the very few countries, were nearly the whole population could read.
The Icelandic school system is split into four levels: Kindergarten (leikskóli) for children between the age of six months and six years, primary school (grunnskóli) from six to sixteen years, secondary schools which end at the age of twenty and the university and some technical colleges.
Table of Contents
- 1. General Information
- 2. Historical Development of the Icelandic Educational System
- 3. The structure of the Icelandic compulsory school system
- 3.1 General Objectives of the Icelandic Pre-Primary Education
- 3.2 Compulsory Education in Iceland
- 3.2.1 Age Levels and Grouping of Pupils in Icelandic Compulsory Schools
- 3.2.2 Organisation of the School Year
- 3.2.3 Weekly and daily Timetables
- 3.2.4 Teaching Methods and Materials in Icelandic schools
- 3.2.5 Educational Guidance for pupils in Iceland
- 4. Upper Secondary and Post-Secondary Education in Iceland
- 5. Tertiary Education in Iceland
- 5.1 Short Tertiary Education Programs
- 5.2 Long Tertiary Education Programs
- 6. Becoming a Teacher
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper aims to provide an overview of the Icelandic educational system. It explores the historical development, structure, and key objectives of education at various levels, from pre-primary to tertiary education. The paper also touches upon teacher training in Iceland.
- Historical Development of the Icelandic Educational System
- Structure of the Icelandic Compulsory School System
- Objectives of Pre-Primary and Compulsory Education
- Upper Secondary, Post-Secondary, and Tertiary Education
- Teacher Training in Iceland
Chapter Summaries
1. General Information: This chapter provides a brief overview of Iceland, including its population, size, and regional divisions. This introductory information sets the context for understanding the educational system within its geographical and demographic framework. The information presented serves as a foundation for the subsequent chapters, illustrating the scale and distribution of the population that the educational system serves. The limited population density is particularly relevant when considering the challenges and opportunities in delivering education across a vast and sparsely populated land.
2. Historical Development of the Icelandic Educational System: This chapter traces the evolution of Iceland's education system, highlighting the influence of both Catholic monastic traditions and the strong Icelandic literary heritage. It shows how these traditions, beginning with early monastery schools in Skálholt and the emphasis on literacy within families, laid the groundwork for a system where nearly the entire population was literate by the late 18th century. The chapter details the slow institutionalization of education, the challenges of establishing schools in sparsely populated areas, and the eventual establishment of compulsory schooling through key legislation in the 20th century. This historical analysis provides valuable context for understanding the current structure and priorities of the Icelandic education system.
3. The structure of the Icelandic compulsory school system: This chapter details the structure of Iceland's compulsory education, outlining the four levels: pre-primary, compulsory (primary and lower secondary), upper secondary, and higher education. It delves into the specific objectives of pre-primary education, emphasizing the holistic development of children, including linguistic skills, moral values, and the fostering of independence. The chapter also touches upon the organization of the school year, timetables, teaching methods, and educational guidance for pupils, providing a comprehensive overview of the compulsory schooling system. This detailed look into compulsory education forms a crucial part of understanding the Icelandic educational system, establishing the foundation upon which subsequent levels of education build.
4. Upper Secondary and Post-Secondary Education in Iceland: This chapter will presumably describe the educational pathways available to students after completing compulsory education, outlining the structure and focus of upper secondary and post-secondary institutions. It would likely address curriculum specifics, entry requirements, and potential career trajectories, giving insight into how students transition from compulsory education to further learning and professional opportunities.
5. Tertiary Education in Iceland: This chapter will focus on Iceland's higher education system, detailing both short and long tertiary education programs. It will likely explore the various institutions involved, the types of degrees offered, research opportunities, and the system's overall contribution to the Icelandic economy and society. The distinction between short and long programs suggests a diverse range of options available to students, catering to various learning styles and career aspirations.
6. Becoming a Teacher: This chapter will cover the process of becoming a teacher in Iceland, addressing the necessary qualifications, training pathways, and ongoing professional development opportunities. This will provide crucial insights into the human resources that underpin the educational system's effectiveness.
Keywords
Icelandic education system, historical development, compulsory education, pre-primary education, upper secondary education, tertiary education, teacher training, literacy, educational objectives, school structure, curriculum.
Icelandic Educational System: A Comprehensive Overview - FAQ
What is this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a language resource detailing the Icelandic educational system. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers various aspects of the Icelandic education system, from its historical development and the structure of compulsory schooling to upper secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary education. It also addresses teacher training in Iceland.
What is the historical development of the Icelandic education system?
The historical overview traces the evolution of Iceland's education system, highlighting the influence of Catholic monastic traditions and the strong Icelandic literary heritage. It details the slow institutionalization of education, the challenges of establishing schools in sparsely populated areas, and the eventual establishment of compulsory schooling in the 20th century.
What is the structure of the Icelandic compulsory school system?
The Icelandic compulsory school system is detailed, outlining the four levels: pre-primary, compulsory (primary and lower secondary), upper secondary, and higher education. It explains the objectives of pre-primary education, the organization of the school year, timetables, teaching methods, and educational guidance for pupils.
What are the objectives of pre-primary and compulsory education in Iceland?
Pre-primary education in Iceland focuses on the holistic development of children, including linguistic skills, moral values, and fostering independence. Compulsory education builds upon this foundation, providing a structured pathway towards upper secondary and beyond.
What are upper secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary education options in Iceland?
The document provides an overview of the educational pathways available after compulsory education, including the structure and focus of upper secondary and post-secondary institutions. Tertiary education is detailed, outlining both short and long programs offered at various institutions.
How does one become a teacher in Iceland?
The document will cover the process of becoming a teacher in Iceland, including the necessary qualifications, training pathways, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
What are the key themes of the document?
Key themes include the historical development of the Icelandic educational system, the structure of its compulsory school system, the objectives of education at various levels, and teacher training.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include Icelandic education system, historical development, compulsory education, pre-primary education, upper secondary education, tertiary education, teacher training, literacy, educational objectives, school structure, and curriculum.
Where can I find more detailed information about each chapter?
The complete document provides detailed summaries for each chapter, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Icelandic educational system.
- Quote paper
- Udo Seelhofer (Author), 2011, The educational system of Iceland, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/165180
