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Spatial thinking in STEM learning: Training a new generation of researchers to increase enrolment and gender balance in STEM learning by addressing deficits in spatial ability among children in Europe

Description du projet

Éliminer les obstacles à l’apprentissage des STIM pour tous

Bien que l’enseignement des STIM (sciences, technologie, ingénierie et mathématiques) joue un rôle clé dans la croissance et la stabilité durables et encourage la pensée critique et l’innovation, les inscriptions aux matières STIM chez les jeunes Européens restent faibles. En fait, le grand écart entre les sexes dans la capacité spatiale en faveur des hommes signifie que les femmes sont surreprésentées dans le groupe à faible capacité spatiale et plus désavantagées dans l’apprentissage des STIM. Le projet SellSTEM, financé par l’UE, formera des chercheurs en début de carrière (ESR) pour apporter de nouvelles connaissances sur la manière de lutter contre les faibles taux d’inscription et de recrutement et le grand écart entre les sexes dans l’enseignement des STIM. Le projet (i) formera les ESR à collecter et analyser les données sur les capacités spatiales des enfants, (ii) développera des moyens innovants pour élever la capacité spatiale au-dessus des niveaux existants et (iii) travaillera avec les enseignants pour trouver des moyens d’intégrer durablement ces nouvelles approches dans la pratique en classe.

Objectif

SellSTEM will train a new generation of early stage researchers (ESR) to bring fresh thinking to the twin issue of low enrolment and gender imbalance in STEM education and careers by addressing deficits in spatial ability among young people across Europe. A key factor of intelligence, spatial ability is strongly related to achievement in and attraction towards STEM learning yet is underdeveloped among many young people in Europe. The large gender gap in spatial ability in favour of males means girls are over-represented in the low spatial ability group and more disadvantaged in STEM learning. ESRs will be trained to collect spatial ability data from children in Europe, measure their relation to academic performance and career choice and analyse interaction by gender, region and socioeconomic status. ESRs will create ways to develop spatial ability among children through online learning, tactile activities, integrated with other subjects and through project-based learning including maker space workshop. ESRs will work with teachers and teacher educators to identify barriers and enablers to developing spatial ability so they can provide sustainable classroom solutions to increase the spatial ability of children beyond existing levels. Education policy and curriculum design will be critiqued against latest research on cognitive development. Improved policies and curricula will be produced along with strategies to change teacher education and teaching practice. Guides for teachers to assessing spatial ability and classroom teaching activities for different age groups will be developed so teachers can assess and promote growth in spatial ability especially among girls. SellSTEM ESRs will produce new knowledge and methods to promote spatial development, increase STEM enrolment and reduce gender imbalance and help to open up an important research topic in Europe. In this way, SellSTEM will and directly support the EU agenda for growth and jobs both now and into the future.

Coordinateur

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY DUBLIN
Contribution nette de l'UE
€ 1 098 737,28
Adresse
NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD 191 PARK HOUSE GRANGEGORMAN
D07 EWV4 Dublin
Irlande

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Région
Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin
Type d’activité
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liens
Coût total
€ 1 098 737,28

Participants (9)