Course Description

Several revolutions have defined the world in the past, and the World Economic Forum claims that the fourth industrial revolution has already begun. Governments and industry around the world have increased their focus on the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a vehicle for future economic prosperity in the second decade of the 21st century. Many of the global challenges, such as climate change, energy and water sources, food security, and so on, are said to necessitate much greater scientific and technological capabilities. STEM is a term that is commonly used to refer to a group of educational and occupational fields related to science. It is the deliberate integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines in the solution of real-world problems and economic opportunities for new industries arising from technological advances, such as those arising from the field of artificial intelligence, necessitate increased capabilities. In response to such opportunities and challenges, the governments has developed policies that position STEM as a critical driver of economic prosperity in recent years.

The content and skills of STEM are highly valued in the twenty-first century. As more jobs require these skills and knowledge, education is responsible for teaching these subject areas and skills. European Union has allocated millions of dollars to STEM education efforts (e.g., professional development, curriculum, and partnerships with institutes of higher learning) in the hopes of producing this workforce. Internationally, many countries continue to prioritize STEM funding and STEM education. Some states now encourage and require science teachers (K-12) to use the engineering design process and engineering standards as one method of presenting science content based on the Next Generation Science Standards. Teacher preparation has always been a field of questions on how best to groom novice teachers for the demands of the profession. This is especially true for the sciences with debates on teachers needing more content, more pedagogy, or greater insight into applications involving multiple disciplines.

The foundations of STEM education should be introduced to children at an early age to pique their interest and curiosity. Hands-on multisensory and creative experiences can help children develop curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. In the long run, they develop an interest in STEM fields and are more likely to major in one of these fields. This era also requires students to be trained to be entrepreneurs so that their thoughts are not limited to technical education. Developing an inquisitive mindset and attitude will ensure that they can function effectively in today’s dynamic and flexible workplace. Growing body of knowledge on STEM education subjects calls for consolidation for use in future studies. In order to advance the field of STEM education, our team conceived of the training courses as a means of bringing together the insightful and rigorous multidisciplinary and integrated STEM education.

Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of the course will have the knowledge and skills to do the following:

• Improve skills in using various innovative blended learning methods and techniques that are hands-on-centered, encourage the completion of meaningful real-world tasks, and foster the development of transversal competencies.
• Apply Problem and inquiry-based learning is a student-centered teaching method that promotes learning in the context of real-world problems that students are likely to encounter.
• Develop students’ learning autonomy through a self-directed hands-on learning approach, expand on students’ prior knowledge, prompt effective use of arguments and evidence, and use questioning as a learning tool.
• Create ready-to-use materials and ideas to support organizational development and quality improvement in STEM field skills, as well as to facilitate collaboration between institutions and employers.
• Enhance the quality of mainstream education by developing relevant, high-level skills such as decision making, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and other key competencies through STEM teaching methods.
• Meet colleagues from various nationalities within the EU, engage in cross-cultural learning, exchange ideas, and create a network for future international cooperation.
• Gain a better understanding of different countries’ educational practices, policies, and systems, cultivate mutual respect and intercultural awareness, and embed common educational and training values.
• Improve communication skills, foreign language competencies, professional vocabulary, and promote the EU’s linguistic diversity.

Course Details

 
TARGET GROUPS

Professionals in the education sector (e.g., teachers, guidance counselors, principals, and administrators at elementary, middle, high, and vocational institutions) and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff.

METHODOLOGY

Participants in this course will learn the fundamentals of STEM methodology while designing and creating their own STEM lessons and activities. Teachers will provide supporting materials and lectures to ensure that the established goals are met. Participants will take the provided material (examples of STEM activities and online resources) back home to use as a foundation for developing their own educational projects. We will demonstrate various approaches and provide new ideas on how to obtain new innovative ideas for hands-on activities in class, which are essential in all STEM fields. You will select the ones that are most appropriate for your specific subject. You will have the opportunity to learn about European STEM teaching methods. It is an excellent training course for those who teach STEM or want to incorporate the STEM approach into their curriculum.  The course has been designed with practical, humorous, and motivational sessions in mind, so that participants can apply their newly acquired knowledge. This course focuses on creative activities, innovative learning, and teaching methods for students in general. Another topic that was discussed was what instructors and teachers can do to get their students interested in technical fields and motivate them to do so. STEM can be applied to everyday life if blended learning methods are used.

Course Objectives

• Understanding STEM Education: Provide an introduction to the concept of STEM education, its importance, and how it can be integrated into the curriculum.
• Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning: Develop students’ abilities in scientific inquiry and reasoning, and teach them how to apply the scientific method to solve problems.
• Technological Literacy: Equip students with the knowledge and skills to use technology effectively and responsibly, and to understand its impact on society.
• Engineering Principles: Introduce students to basic engineering principles, design processes, and problem-solving strategies.
• Mathematical Concepts: Enhance students’ understanding of key mathematical concepts and their applications in real-world situations.
• Hands-On Learning: Engage students in hands-on, experiential learning activities that facilitate the practical application of STEM concepts.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through STEM-based challenges and projects.
• Innovation and Creativity: Foster innovation and creativity by encouraging students to develop original solutions to complex problems.
• Collaborative Learning: Promote collaborative learning through group projects and teamwork, simulating real-world STEM careers.
• Interdisciplinary Integration: Demonstrate how STEM disciplines are interconnected and can be integrated across subjects to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
• Real-world Applications and Careers: Explore real-world applications of STEM and potential career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• STEM and Society: Discuss the role of STEM in society and how advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can address global challenges.
• Use of STEM Tools and Software: Teach students how to use various STEM tools and software for data analysis, simulation, and design.
• Communication Skills in STEM: Develop students’ abilities to effectively communicate complex STEM concepts through writing, presentations, and visualizations.
• Ethical Considerations in STEM: Discuss the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in STEM fields, including data privacy, sustainability, and equity.

Tentative Schedule

Day 1 – WELCOMING

• Greetings and introductions
• Information and orientation about the venue and the city
• Learn about the commons of the subjects
• Class management tactics –behavioral & interdisciplinary

Day 2 – DEVELOPING CURRICULUM MAPS

• Course presentation and discussion of course outcomes
• STEM fundamentals and goals
• Tips for creating your own STEM lesson and various approaches
• Choose topics of interest for STEM lessons from your daily life
• Begin creating your own steam lesson in groups

Day 3 – MAKE LEARNING TAKE PLACE

• Learning as being active and collaborative
• Problem-solving and inquiry-based learning
• Adapting your lessons to your students’ abilities
• STEM is for primary and secondary school students
• Experiment with creating new STEM activities

Day 4 – TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING / GRIPPING ACTIVITIES DESIGN

• Technology resources for a successful flipped classroom
• How to use your smartphone to do science in the classroom
• Apps and social media
• STEM Gamification
• Make your own game plan

Day 5 – COGNITIVE AND NATIONAL NETWORKING DAY

• Lesson plan creation/expansion based on benchmarks
• Analyze the essential elements for fostering a creative classroom environment
• Cultural package: ÇEKDEV will offer an optional package to encourage networking and learning more about the cultural and historical aspects of the country where you are staying

Day 6 – PRESENTATION OF A STEM PROJECT

• Teams will complete their STEM project
• Presentation of the project
• Suggestions for improving your STEM classes

 Day 7 – CLOSURE

• Course evaluation
• Presentation of participants’ works
• Certificate ceremony
• Participants departure

*The schedule describes likely activities but may differ significantly based on the requests of the participants, and the trainer delivering the specific session. Course modifications are subject to the trainer’s discretion. If you would like to discuss a specific topic, please indicate it at least 4 weeks in advance.

Our courses usually include two cultural activities. Further information is available on the webpage of each course.