Integrating STEM Education into Classrooms

This training provides the participants with the opportunity to learn how to design, implement, and evaluate STEM education in the classrooms as well as theoretical framework of STEM education. Participants will engage in authentic content and hands-on STEM activities in which they will use technological tools, equipment, and procedures in innovative ways to solve design challenges by working as a team and individually throughout the sessions. Besides, productive discussion and exchange of experiences and new ideas in STEM education will be among the requirements of the training. Participants will also be sent the materials such as articles, documents, and videos related to the content before attending the training.

Countries have been in global competition to constantly produce newer and better services and products, especially in fastest-growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields which are closely linked with our health, safety, economic well-being, and quality of life. To meet and sustain the workforce demand in these fields, they have begun to adopt STEM practices, curriculum, and policies that expand STEM opportunities for all students (STEM Task Force 2014). STEM education is an educational approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into real-world content. The main goals of STEM education include STEM literacy, 21^st century skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem solving, communication, cooperation, creativity and innovation, etc.), preparing the STEM workforce, creating interest in STEM disciplines, and developing skills to establish connections between STEM disciplines (Katehi et al. 2009). STEM education has a strategic importance in terms of countries’ economic strength in the global economy. Therefore, creating and developing interest in STEM disciplines play active role in encouraging students to enter the workforce in these areas in the future (Knezek et al. 2013). In general, STEM education supports individuals to develop the STEM skills they need to be successful in their education, profession, and daily life. With the integration of STEM education into curriculum all around the world, the need for STEM educators with the competence to effectively design, implement and evaluate STEM education has emerged and rapidly increased in recent years. In this context, the training enables participants to learn, experience, and practice STEM approach with a practical focus on the potential benefits of the approach through discussing challenges and sharing good practices with fellow teachers and education staff from across Europe. The training covers hands-on STEM activities, stimulating materials, tools, and ideas to inspire and support participants in their STEM lesson planning in the collaborative and interactive sessions.

The training includes ice-breaking activities, group debates, hands-on STEM activities, and collaborative lesson planning etc. The methodological approach of the training comprises a wide-range of learning approaches and methods such as project-based learning, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, brainstorming, group and peer debates. Scientific inquiry and the engineering design process will also be used to foster the participants’ STEM knowledge and skills throughout the hands-on STEM activities.

This training aims to inspire and equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate effective STEM practices, innovative STEM learning tools, and tips to integrate STEM education into the classrooms. Participants will also be provided insight into how to make STEM education more powerful to support students’ motivation, engagement, and learning in STEM fields. Upon successful completion of the training, the participants will be able to:

• Develop basic understanding on STEM education, including its importance and potential benefits
• Explain the main components of successful STEM practices
• Discover how to design, implement, and evaluate STEM practices addressing different levels of learners
• Explore how to design STEM practices using everyday materials
• Use the engineering design process to effectively solve design challenges
• Debate how to engage students and help them develop 21^st century skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem solving, communication, cooperation, creativity and innovation) through STEM activities
• Explore innovative ways to integrate STEM practices into their own teaching
• Develop STEM lesson plans and evaluate the lesson plans using rubric
• Exchange good practices and discuss challenges with fellow colleagues and the trainers.

The participants will be required to develop and share their STEM lesson plans, to be followed by a structured feedback session. Additionally, given a chance to network with individuals and organizations working in the education field in Europe through everyday cooperation and team-building activities, the participants might further their practice on STEM education by extended experience sharing sessions.

This standard indicative daily programme might be personalized on participants’ needs and professional profiles. Networking, preparation and team build up activities to be located on the first day; and follow up, specific needs and cultural activities on the last day.

Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa Continuing Education Center

Date	Course Times	Course Content
Day1		Theoretical Framework of STEM Education Introduction Ice-breaking activities/ team building Identifying learner needs and expectations 21st century learning: Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce What is STEM education? Importance of STEM education Components of successful STEM education Integration of STEM education into schools
Day2		Hands-on STEM Activities- Easy Level Engaging in STEM practices addressing diverse majors of the participants.
Day3		Hands-on STEM Activities- Moderate/Hard Level Engaging in STEM practices addressing diverse majors of the participants.
Day4		Creating STEM Lesson Plans Characteristics of effective STEM lesson plans Steps for STEM Lesson Planning Discussing sample STEM lesson plans Designing a STEM lesson plan (team-work)
Day5		Presentation and Evaluation of STEM Lesson Plans Presentation of STEM lesson plans developed collaboratively Evaluation of STEM lesson plans using the STEM Lesson Plan Rubric Suggestions for Integrating STEM into your practice Sharing good practice and ideas for STEM integration addressing diverse majors such as science, mathematics, environmental, engineering and technology education General Evaluation and Closure Discussion & Feedback Certification of Attendance Closure

Program Coordinator 

Instructors 

5 – 15 participants

Digital certificate.

Face to Face or Distance Education

You can choose one of the following payment methods EFT and Credit Card.

P.S:***The course fees are to be made to the Halk Bank IBAN number or Account Number above with the following information: Recipient name: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Surekli Egitim Merkezi In the Explanation Section: Be sure to write your Name-Surname and Course Name. You should send the Payment Receipt to sem@iuc.edu.tr.