LearnSTEM: Innovative Model of learning STEM in secondary schools

The second transnational partner meeting of LearnSTEM was taking place from 29th to 31st August 2023 at the University Paderborn in Germany.
„The LearnSTEM Development Conference!“, as was the title of this meeting, was mainly about developing Work Package 2 – LearnSTEM Pedagogical Model. The partners discussed the tasks in order to develop the design of the model and the learning units.
There was also a discussion about upcoming tasks of Work Package 3 – LearnSTEM Teacher Training Programme.
The meeting helped bring all partners on the same page and clarify the plan for the coming weeks and months of the project.

Pedagogical Principles Approach is incorporated into the Learning Units of the LearnSTEM Pedagogical Model. The Pedagogical Principles Approach is a learner-centered teaching method rooted in educational theory. It prioritizes active learning, critical thinking, and adaptability, aligning teaching strategies with learners‘ needs and fostering a deeper understanding of subject matter. The approach promotes complex, process-oriented, social, practical, and holisitic learning.

In the LearnSTEM Pedagogical Model, the Learning Cycle Approach is used. The Learning Cycle Approach in STEM is a dynamic method that engages students in hands-on exploration, reflection, and application. It encourages curiosity and critical thinking by emphasizing the stages of five e: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and promotes problem-solving skills. By immersing students in active learning experiences, it not only enhances their knowledge but also nurtures a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Learning Cycle Approach in STEM is the path to transforming learners into innovative thinkers and problem solvers.

The LearnSTEM Pedagogical Model integrates sustainability and ecology into the learning content. It is important to integrate these topics into STEM lessons, because STEM and sustainability are inseparable partners in building a more eco-conscious world. Through STEM, we develop eco-friendly technologies, renewable energy sources, and innovative conservation methods. Scientists, engineers, and mathematicians collaborate to address pressing environmental issues, mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and creating a greener future. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness of these issues in secondary schools and get students interested in them.

STEM education in secondary schools is the gateway to a world of possibilities. It equips students with essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. By engaging in hands-on STEM activities, students not only prepare for future careers but also gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Encouraging STEM in secondary schools fosters innovation and cultivates the next generation of scientists, engineers, and inventors. It’s a vital investment in our future, ensuring that students are ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving, technology-driven world. STEM in secondary schools is the foundation for brighter tomorrows.