#	Pagina
attuale pagina	/open-h2020/projects/214917/results.html

Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SySTEM 2020 (SySTEM 2020: Connecting Science Learning Outside The Classroom)

Teaser

Summary

Science and technology permeate our society. Our culture sees us relying on algorithms to advise us on simple or complex decisions. Medical advances mean that we will live longer than any generation before us. Understanding science and technology and being an active citizen are more important than ever before. The SySTEM 2020 project aims to examine where and how young people are learning the skills that will allow them to function in this new world, and to generate opportunities for them to reflect on and understand this nuanced type of learning.

SySTEM 2020 is carrying out this work by mapping the field of informal science education across Europe, by evaluating a number of transdisciplinary programmes to generate best principles for educators in this field, and by also examining how a cross-section of individual young people learn science outside the formal education system.

SySTEM 2020 presents a strong strategy for gaining a deeper understanding of the where, when, and how of informal science learning across Europe. Ethnographic surveys with over 1000 young people (aged between 9 and 20 years old) give an insight into their current relationship with science and examines their hopes and aspirations for the future. These young people include those from geographically remote, socio-economically disadvantaged, minority and/or migrant communities. The provision of accessible pathways to scientific literacy is crucial in the effort to support our citizens\' active participation in todayâ€™s ever-evolving society. SySTEM 2020 explores the barriers to participation in informal science education facing some European citizens. One of the outputs of the project is a series of recommendations for equity-focused informal science education programme design.

What makes the SySTEM 2020 project especially unique in this research field is its focus on a diverse range of non-formal programmes that are operating at the interface of science, technology, arts and design, and thus at the cutting edge of developments in 21st-Century learning. These programmes recognise the criticality of creative skills and STEM skills in ensuring that Europe has the innovative, flexible thinkers of the future it needs.

Summary of Objectives:

O1 ASSESS To generate a thorough, extensive and widespread overview of non-formal and informal science learning in Europe that contributes to the knowledge base of science with and for society. This investigation will occur at the level of individual learners and organisations operating in this field.

O2 UNDERSTAND AND IDEATE To involve stakeholders including learners from a diverse range of backgrounds in the definition of the main challenges regarding science learning outside the classroom and to co-design ideas and concepts that support the acquisition and recognition of scientific knowledge in non-formal and informal learning settings. To assess the learning effects, the quality and any visible impact of non-formal and informal science education on European citizens.

O3 DESIGN, DEVELOP AND EXECUTE new tools and frameworks and practices for implementation in non-formal learning programmes. This activity will be supported by a technology platform that can be used by STEM learners in both non-formal and informal settings, which can also be used as an credentialisation tool. The SySTEM 2020 tools will be accessible through the project website.

O4 REFLECT AND EVOLVE To analyse results from initial roll out of new practice and build on this within immediate practice amongst partner groups. Evaluate the success and learnings of the tools developed and improve their efficacy through an iterative design process in collaboration with partners. Communicate this reflective practice further through communication and dissemination carried out in objective 5.

O5 ENGAGE AND INFORM Through dissemination via research papers, conferences, workshops on key tools developed we will communicate and disseminate the critical findin

Work performed

In the first phase of this project, the consortium has worked hard to map the current state of play in the field of science learning outside the classroom, through the creation of an online community of over 1000 organisations: https://system2020.education/the-map/

Over 1000 individual young people have also participated in an ethnographic survey which examines attitudes to science, as well as gathering information about the social situation of participants.

A number of co-design and facilitation materials have been produced to explore and ideate solutions about inclusion, engagement, assessment and recognition of science learning outside the classroom. These materials can be used for programme and activity development in informal science education organisations.

Final results

The map generated in the first half of this project provides a valuable snapshot of the current situation of informal learning in the partner countries. The data captured will be made openly available, and may be used by researchers, practitioners, policy makers and learners themselves.

In the second half of the project, the consortium will continue to campaign and grow the map, and to encourage the various stakeholders to utilise the data to progress the field, build stronger national networks, to support learners, and to explore the potential links between formal and informal science education.

The tools that are in development through the SySTEM 2020 project encourage learner self-reflection and intentionality in informal science education, and these will be shared through the project website. Guidelines will accompany these tools so that educators can consider how and why they might benefit the learners who participate in their programmes.

Through repeated learner surveys and in-depth learner portfolios across 8 partner countries, the project will also generate results on the efficacy of various informal science education initiatives, and showcase trends in participation based on demographic grouping.

Project coordinator Science Gallery Dublin will drive a study into the impact of SySTEM 2020, and partners will be guided through exploitation plans which will help them to understand the impact of the work they have carried out in their respective countries. The final aim of the project is to produce tangible policy recommendations on science learning outside the classroom to national governments and to the European Commission. These will be based on solid scientific data and will be generated in collaboration with the young people who are the primary stakeholders in any challenge facing the future of European society.