In the Nordic countries, health is linked to educational attainment to a higher extent than to income. Studies have now shown that the progressive pedagogy which generally characterizes Nordic teaching is likely to actually increase social disparities in health.
The Education Policy for Health Equality – Lessons for the Nordic Region report analyses the link between health, education, knowledge and pedagogical methods. Health is often linked to educational attainment, to a greater extent than to income. Therefore, it is important to examine the extent to which education policy can contribute to, or be counterproductive to, health equality and health equity.
In the report research director Gabriel Heller-Sahlgren raises a critical voice against the type of progressive, student-centered learning that the Nordic countries utilize to varying degree. It is the report’s recommendation that student–centered learning should be reassessed and phased out if the school is to contribute to greater equality in health and provide all children a good education.
