ESTABLISH

"European Science and Technology in Action Building Links with Industry, Schools and Home"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of ESTABLISH is to facilitate and implement an inquiry based approach in the teaching and learning of science and technology across Europe, mainly focussed, through the collaborative actions of the consortium, on appropriate teacher education and support using trialled and tested resource material particularly suited to inquiry based teaching. Inquiry based teaching methodologies are encouraged to engage students in science and mathematics by increasing their interest in science and also by stimulating teacher motivation. However, widespread implementation of such a methodology will only occur with inclusion and participation of all partners in education, both formal and informal. ESTABLISH addresses this by drawing together over 60 partners from across 11 European countries to work together on a 48 month multidisciplinary project to encourage and promote the more widespread use of inquiry-based science teaching techniques in second level schools through appropriate teacher education, creation of authentic learning environments and actions to bridge the gap between the science education research community, science teachers, students, parents, local industry as well as policy makers in order to facilitate the uptake of inquiry-based science teaching. The outcomes of this project will firstly be a large team of teachers across Europe who are skilled and confident in their delivery of inquiry based teaching. Further outcomes will be the identification of suitable model(s) of teacher education, at both pre- and in-service levels, for inquiry based teaching and also identification of best practice in guiding change through all the stakeholders involved in science and science education. Teachers are active partners as developers, researchers and agents so that real change in classroom practice can be achieved. ESTABLISH is committed to sharing and disseminating best practice in inquiry-based methods through European teacher networks, conferences and publications.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A major European undertaking has advanced necessary changes in classroom practice that improve the teaching and learning of science and technology (S&T). Project work has contributed to increased research into the area and use of inquiry-based science education (IBSE) in classrooms across Europe.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Efforts to more effectively engage students in science and mathematics can be successfully achieved with the participation of all partners in education. The 'European science and technology in action building links with industry, schools and home' (http://www.establish-fp7.eu/ (ESTABLISH)) project thus engaged key stakeholders to develop an enhanced approach to IBSE.

The primary goal was to disseminate and facilitate the use of improved IBSE approaches with secondary school students (aged 12-18 years) across 11 European countries. ESTABLISH achieved this by addressing three key issues associated with the practical implementation of IBSE in the classroom. These covered the provision of relevant teaching materials to engage learners, training support for teachers to implement an inquiry-based methodology, and connecting with policymakers as well as scientific and industrial communities.

Project activities have resulted in positive changes in teachers' attitudes, improved ability to use IBSE in their teaching, and increased implementation of this methodology in classrooms. At the same time, student motivation and communication during science lessons has increased, and students have more informed attitudes towards science and careers in S&T. Finally, ESTABLISH succeeded in increasing interaction between individuals teaching and learning about science and individuals using science.

Through the project's work and its successful outcomes, increased engagement and participation of young people in S&T offer important industrial and societal benefits. The overall approach has engendered a clearer understanding of the role of IBSE in secondary schools' curricula.

Appropriate systems are now needed for assessing and rewarding students for skills developed through IBSE. Alternative teacher development models have proven effective in helping teachers develop their approaches to IBSE implementation. However, going forward, programmes for teachers' professional development must continue so as to maintain and embed these changes in classroom practice.

ESTABLISH has laid the groundwork for meeting these needs and successfully advancing the potential of IBSE methodology. The science education research community, science teachers, students, parents, industry and policymakers across Europe are thus all set to reap the large-scale benefits of this project's work.