Course description:
The integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) into learning is becoming increasingly important worldwide. STEAM is a dynamically developing but largely unexplored area in today’s Finnish and European schools. STEAM’s complex methodology is suitable for developing collaborative and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills that allow learners to explore unexpected connections between different aspects of the fields represented by different subjects. STEAM as a methodology is not only a powerful tool, but also one of the most important goals of learning today.
This course offers best practices in interdisciplinary, learner-centered, playful and experiential teaching from Finland for students in grades 10-12. It uses a pragmatic approach and didactic background to explore the possibilities available to participating teachers. Preparing for life with STEAM in an inter- and multidisciplinary approach. The course promotes the development of key competences and collective creativity to enhance the well-being of students and teachers. The content of the course is inspired by the Finnish educational context, but in each case we will also explore the possibilities of applying the lessons learned to the domestic educational context.
Course content:
- STEAM around the world: international trends in STEAM education
- Inter- and multidisciplinary education in Finland, based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum for secondary education
- Why STEAM now? Research-based arguments for integrated approaches in education & tools for planning, organizing and facilitating STEAM programs
- Computational thinking-based modeling in learning different subjects
- How does AI “think”? Developing problem-solving skills through AI-related methods
- Physics goes to shadow theater
- Renewable energy, water cycle and education for sustainable development through STEAM
- Developing transmedia literacy through STEAM learning. How to enhance transmedia skills with informal methods in formal education?
- Comparison with participants’ own teaching practice. Identification of good practices that can be transferred and methods that can be applied in different teaching contexts
- The STEAM lesson plan
- Summary, reflection and celebration of participants’ own STEAM projects
Target group:
Educators involved in the broad areas of STEAM can gain inspiration from a methodology that combines artistic visions with scientific thinking patterns. Educators in the field of mathematics, computer science, different fields of natural sciences, engineering and any field of the arts (music, visual arts, crafts/technology). Physical education teachers can also be linked through the art of movement. Language teachers, special education teachers can as well get inspired by this methodology.
Erasmus+ priority corresponding to the course:
- Promoting interest and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the STEAM approach.
- Tackling learning disadvantage, early school leaving and low proficiency in basic skills.
- Development of key competences
- Environment and fight against climate change