Future Classroom by STEAM Education

Project summary

Context The world is changing rapidly. ICT and robots change the needs of the world of work. The world and its economy are changing at such a rapid pace that it is impossible to predict what the economy will look like even at the end of next month. Despite all the drastic changes taking place in the world, public education has maintained almost the same system since its establishment in the middle of the nineteenth century. It's our task to prepare students for a society in which science and technology play an increasingly important role. To do that it's important that we learn our students (21st century) skills to handle and adapt to the rapidly changing society. Bringing STEAM and/or STEAM projects into the curriculum may be one of the most critical keys in creating the ultimate 21st century classroom experience where students of all ages and learning types are engaged, motivated and actively interested. And doing this in an exchange setting, will allow our schools to develop and reinforce networks, increase our capacity to cooperate at transnational level, to share and confront ideas, practices and methods. Objectives Our main goal is to show that through STEAM education students take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem solving, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process: all skills you need to develop in a rapidly changing world. And because of the exchanges, students will develop intercultural competences too. The aim is to create a pupils portfolio, website and a European Studies Module that will ensure European Study is embedded into teaching and learning in the schools as long as lasting outcome. All STEAM generalized learning domains are included in the newspaper, portfolio and the ESM. In addition, it offers space for cultural awareness, world citizenship and dealing with diversity (based on the Nuffic model on international competences). Methodology 'The Future Classroom by STEAM education' is a collaboration between five primary schools (from The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Finland and Portugal). Together we are organizing 5 exchange activities. All participants use the Pedagogical Model, STE(A)M education Learning by Design in their activities (C1-5). 1. Learning by Design, the maker space 2. integrating engineering and arts 3. Expanding the math classroom with STEAM 4. Technology, improving the class by INVALSI tests 5. Robotica and serious gaming in the classroom In the exchange activities 4 students and 2 teachers can participate. In the meanwhile, all schools will do activities in their own schools (P1-9).Parents will be involved from the start in the project. Our project activities will be regularly published in our school webpage and new website, specially in the blog created for the project. Parents will be informed through class meetings, special meetings and parent events, and we will use local newspaper and radio to inform municipality about the project events and mobilities. The module and the portfolio will be designed and written by children during and after exploring and sharing the STEAM activities and investigating the needs and possibilities in the future. Results Throughout the project pupils will take greater ownership of their own education, giving them confidence and raising their self-esteem. Pupils will become stronger at leadership, supporting others and understanding their role in society. As the project develops we expect to see the following outcomes: - pupils and staff having a real purpose and motivation for learning and teaching through new experiences - regular innovative ideas from other schools embedded into (STEAM) lessons - increased competence with research techniques - increased competence with using digital media - raised self-esteem and confidence in our children - staff and pupils improved understanding, knowledge and confidence to use new language skills - increased staff and pupil cooperation within schools and with partner schools Impact This project will help the schools to improve the quality results by reinforcing key competences, specially those related to STEAM. It will also improve language skills for both teachers and students, increasing the capacity to cooperate at transnational level. A great strength of our project has been designed to leave behind a real legacy for staff and pupils. We will take responsibility for managing the communication and wider dissemination of the project via web media such as the website, eTwinning and other EU sharing platforms. We have advanced experience in delivering in these areas through successful EU programmes. Project outcomes will be discussed with head-teachers and other stakeholders. For example, seminars and conferences will be organized to inform other schools and local teachers about the results of our project.This will give opportunities for outcomes to be used by other Primary Schools and also Secondary Schools in our area.