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Questions and Answers
What percentage of 25-64 year olds who completed schooling in 2008 completed post-secondary education (less than 3 years)?
What is the primary goal of the egalitarian view in education?
In what year did Sweden abandon free schools?
What is one of the challenges facing Sweden's education system?
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What is a demographic that is more educated than another in Sweden?
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In what year did international students start being charged fees in Sweden?
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What is the grading system used in Sweden?
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What is a consequence of globalization in Sweden's education system?
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What is a challenge facing Sweden's education system in terms of social class?
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What is a goal of the Swedish education system?
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Study Notes
Geography and History of Sweden
- Occupies the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, making it the fourth largest country in Europe.
- Has a population of over 9 million people, with Stockholm as its capital city.
- Governed by a Constitutional Monarchy, a form of democratic government in which a monarch acts as a non-political head of state within the boundaries of a constitution.
- Historical background dates back to the 11th century when King Olaf Skottknenung converted to Christianity.
- Sweden was united with Denmark and Norway in the 1400s, but broke away in 1523 under the influence of Martin Luther.
Political Influence of Socialism
- In 1911, Sweden established its welfare legislation, which began with the introduction of old-age pensions.
- The country maintained its neutrality in both World War I and World War II, allowing it to establish systems of public health, housing, and job security.
- The socialist rule ended in 1976, but returned in 1982 with Olaf Palme, and again in 1991 when Sweden joined the European Union.
The Swedish Education System
- Introduced a 4-year primary school called Folkskola (people's schools) in 1842.
- Expanded education to make it mandatory for 7 years in the 1930s, 8 years in 1950, and 9 years in 1972.
- Students with excellent grades could attend secondary schools (Högere Allmänna Läroverket) after 3 years of primary school.
- Divided into lower levels (Realskola, 6-year school) and upper levels (Gymnasium, 4-year school) in 1905.
- Introduced Enhetsskola (unified school) in 1949, which became Forsöksskola in 1958, and then Grundskola (9-year primary school) in 1962.
- Upper secondary school (Gymnasieskola) provides education for ages 16-19, leading to university preparatory/vocational education.
- Vocational secondary school provides a basic qualification in 3 years.
Changes in the Education System
- 1992: Independent primary and secondary schools received public funding (i.e., free schools).
- 2007: Higher education divided into 3 levels: Grundnivå (basic level), Avancerad Nivå (advanced level), and Forskarnivå (doctoral level).
- 2008: 900 free schools were available.
- 2010: Abandoned free schools, and international students were charged fees.
Challenges Facing Swedish Education
- 2 egalitarian goals: equality of outcomes and equality of opportunity.
- Pressure on public budgets to maintain high levels of educational provisions and standards.
- Increasing class differences in education.
- Globalization poses a challenge to ensure equity in education.
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Description
This quiz covers the historical background of Sweden, including its geography, population, government, and early history. Learn about Sweden's education system and its development over time.
