Back to search

RoboSTEAM4ALL: Supporting teachers’ professional development for inclusive teaching and learning of STEAM and Robotics skills for children with intellectual and learning difficulties

2023-2-BG01-KA210-SCH-0001790402023Small-scale partnerships in school educationfinalizedGood practice
Countries: BG|CY · Grant: €60,000
Digital content, technologies and practicesDisabilitiesMicro-credentials

Objectives

The main goal wasto encourage inclusive STEAM education by developing methodologies and resources tailored to the needs of students with SEN. One of the key achievements was the organization of training for teachers working with students with SEN. Introducing children to STEAM and robotics is an innovative approach opening new opportunities for teachers to engage students in a meaningful and stimulating way. Teachers working with children with SEN participated in specialized training, which gave them the opportunity to learn basic techniques for coding and controlling the Edison 3 robot and how to apply this to children with SEN. Supports the active participation of students in practical STEAM and robotic activities through new methods that include interaction, the development of thinking, mathematical skills and teamwork. In practice, resource teachers have implemented robotics classes for children, including those with autism, for the first time.The project also involved parents, who had the opportunity to learn about what their children were doing at school, participate in experiments together, and discover how the work was used in real life. This shared experience encouraged collaboration between children and their parents.

Background

In both Bulgaria and Cyprus, STEAM integration into mainstream and special education remained a significant challenge, particularly when addressing the needs of students with SEN. A major gap that had been identified was the lack of adapted methodologies and educational resources.There was also a serious shortage of educational software, digital tools, robotics games tailored to SEN learners, an innovative approach which required specialized trainings.There was a clear need for adapted tools, digital content, and accessible activities that allow full participation of SEN students. While some schools had begun piloting programs and offering extracurricular activities, the overall implementation remained limited. The project supported the development of innovative practices and helped equip teachers with the skills and resources needed to make Robotics and STEAM education more inclusive.It offered an opportunity for teachers and parents to enhance their knowledge and skills by specialized training and access to good practices and accessible activities that motivated students and helped them build important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Project partners (2)