If I remember correctly from the 2012 Pisa results, Finnish students are also among the most negative in attitude about school whereas the Asians counted themselves lucky to have the opportunity.
In my opinion, the memory based schooling has very limited practical value and although a strong memory is helpful (I have a very poor one) a creative, problem solving mind is more useful for adaptability. I also find it interesting that even though a memory can be improved somewhat, schools spend no time on it which means memory talent is over represented rather than talent itself.
Many these days do not have the critical thinking ability to negotiate their way out of a wet paper bag.
The Dutch students are also among the most negative in attitude about school. I once visited Marocco with other school leaders and there the children were very motivated. I think because, in the Netherlands (and Finland also I resume), school is obligatory and in a lot of other countries it is not, so when you can go to school because your parents can afford it, you are very motivated. On average, Dutch children are also a little spoiled, they want to do as they please and school is a must and they don't like that much.
People feel entitles to education here I think and do not realise it is a granted privilege. They assume it will always be free yet do not understand how it is paid. I think they should teach a little more economics.