Partners
Dundalk Institute of Technology; Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway; Science View, Greece; NUCLIO, Portugal; Ellinogermaniki Agogi, Greece.
Project Description and Outputs
The NEXT STEP project is proposing a whole school approach to science learning. Building on previous successful European open schooling and STE(Arts)M initiatives, the project will bring about the NEXT STEP in education by providing a roadmap for the transformation of school classrooms into open and creative learning spaces. NEXT STEP will look at different examples and research findings which show the need to rethink classrooms organisation in order to facilitate the Creative and Innovative school and wellbeing at school.
In this framework the NEXT STEP project will design and set in operation the STEAM IDEAS’ Square, an innovative learning environment which will be the nucleus of the school’s activities. NEXT STEP will demonstrate how these environments a) can offer opportunities for deeper learning of STEAM, b) can improve the innovation and creative capacities of learners, c) can support the new role of teacher as a coach of the learning process, d) can facilitate effective cooperation with external stakeholders and e) can inspire policy-makers, school heads and school staff to imagine the schools of tomorrow.
This project aims to produce a number of outputs including a pedagogical strategy, a methodological framework, series of virtual workshops, development of operating plans. All of these inputs aim to empower schools to design and more desirable and sustainable future and develop examples of best practice. A number of multiplier events will be hosted including summer schools and a conference in Ireland in 2023. This conference will be targeted at stakeholders in science and arts.
