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Ever wondered what’s fueling the STEM revolution in Europe? It’s the policies, folks! Governments across Europe are turbocharging STEM education, and here’s how they’re doing it: Investment in Innovation: From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Berlin, governments are upping their game, investing more in education and research to keep the STEM flame burning bright. EuroSTEAM Project: Picture this - a collaboration of European schools and partners, all focused on boosting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It’s about turning underachievers into academic achievers. Science Education Mapping: Europe’s not just teaching science; it’s strategizing it. With policies aimed at improving science teaching, the continent is mapping a future where every student can be a mini Einstein. STE(A)M Integration: The EU’s not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk. With official communications and funding programs, they’re integrating STEAM disciplines like never before. Local Support: It’s not just a top-down approach. Local and regional bodies are getting the support they need to make STEM not just a subject, but a way of life. So, there you have it. Europe’s not just teaching STEM; they’re transforming it. And with policies like these, the future’s looking scientifically spectacular! #STEM #europe #education

Innovating STEM Education & Research: Insights from WBC-RRI 🚀 Active Learning: The WBC-RRI project champions active learning, where students roll up their sleeves and dive into real-world projects. By engaging directly with scientific challenges, they gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of STEM/STEAM disciplines. 🌐 Community Impact: Beyond the classroom, WBC-RRI fosters collaboration between educational institutions and local communities. Citizen Science initiatives empower citizens to contribute to research, bridging the gap between academia and society. 🔍 Future Aspirations: The project’s findings reveal an encouraging trend. A significant percentage of students express a keen interest in pursuing STEM/STEAM fields. This enthusiasm bodes well for the future of science and innovation. 🌱 Challenges & Solutions: WBC-RRI acknowledges the hurdles faced by educators and institutions. Limited resources, curriculum constraints, and varying levels of technological access can pose challenges. However, the project proposes solutions: integrating citizen science into curricula, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting responsible research practices. 🔗 Empowering Governance through Citizen Science: The WBC-RRI project’s third policy brief illuminates the pivotal role of Citizen Science in enhancing governance. It advocates for the active involvement of citizens in scientific endeavors, which not only democratizes research but also enriches policy-making with diverse perspectives. 📊 Data-Driven Decisions: By tapping into the collective wisdom of the community, authorities can make data-driven decisions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the populace. This inclusive approach ensures that policies are not only well-informed but also resonate with the very people they impact. 🚧 Overcoming Challenges: The brief acknowledges the challenges faced in implementing Citizen Science, such as ensuring data quality, overcoming digital divides, addressing ethical concerns, and achieving long-term engagement. It offers strategic recommendations to overcome these barriers, emphasizing the need for robust frameworks and continuous dialogue between scientists and citizens. 🌉 Bridging the Gap: The WBC-RRI project has been instrumental in bridging the ‘innovation gap’ within the Western Balkans, aligning the region’s research and innovation efforts with broader European standards, setting a course for future initiatives. Let’s carry forward WBC-RRI’s legacy of innovation and inclusivity. 🌍🔬📚 Explore the full documents of the above-mentioned policy briefs: 1. https://lnkd.in/gwerPvqA 2. https://lnkd.in/gmzWePn4 3. https://lnkd.in/gtKewEUw

Dive into our latest article to explore why STEM matters in shaping the future. Discover the importance of these foundational disciplines and their impact on tomorrow's innovations. #stemeducation #educational #innovationjourney #GSIAssociates https://lnkd.in/dfNQPq8i

Australia is in a STEM crisis. The low uptake of science and mathematics subjects by school students, and dwindling interest in STEM-related tertiary courses, has led to chronic shortages of skilled STEM professionals at a time when these subjects are playing greater roles in our lives, and economies. Reform is needed. Two Emerging Network Leaders from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering Forum, Drs Giulia Iacono (Monash University) and Catriona Vi Nguyễn-Robertson (University of Melbourne, Museums Victoria) here tackle the improvements required from our tertiary institutions' approach to STEM education and training. Department of Education, Australian Government Department of Education, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Science & Technology Australia, Universities Australia, Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN Universities) #stem #stemm #workforce #skills #literacy #universities #science

Celebrating collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office in STEM education!   At a recent event, 235 students from the periphery of Israel were awarded STEM scholarships, showcasing the joint efforts of the Prime Minister’s Office and ISEF. Shelley Yossi, the director of the Prime Minister’s office, emphasized the importance of investing in scientific and technological education as a way to ensure the country's future and unlock the full potential of students from the periphery. Highlighting the strategic importance of ISEF's mission, the Prime Minister's Office recently pledged an additional half a million shekel to ISEF, further solidifying their commitment to nurturing talent from all corners of Israel. Additionally, Chairwoman Emerita and ISEF founder Nina Weiner, shared her pride in our students the contribution to Israeli society and the PMO's initiative, while highlighting how important ISEF donors are to continue this project. This initiative not only boosts Israel’s high-tech sector but also inspires youth in marginalized communities to pursue their potential and dream big! Office of the Prime Minister of Israel galit caspi cohen #isef #highereducation #israelieducation #society #community #students #studentsupport #studentsuccess #primeminister #stem #stemactivities #stemstudents #science #technology #engineers #scientists #future #futuregeneration 

STEM-related studies can too often be perceived as “too difficult” or not interesting by students throughout their education - yet their careers will be increasingly reliant on acquiring ‘21st century skills’ to compete in the global marketplace for talent. To prepare current and upcoming generations in Australia, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses the diverse needs of pre-tertiary science students, integrates relevant content, and provides robust support and recognition for talented teachers delivering a challenging curriculum on the frontline. Dr Catriona Vi Nguyễn-Robertson offers an excellent overview of a complex educational landscape in dire need of renewal. This includes factors influencing student participation in STEM education, building confidence in science teaching practice, new learning tools available to educators and students, teachers' working conditions and the cultural status of the teaching profession in Australian society. This article follows the valuable scholarship of Professors Amanda Berry (RMIT University) and Jan van Driel (University of Melbourne), and generous reflections offered by Dr Brendan Rigby (Department of Education) and Ms Alexandra Abela (Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV)). Australian Government Department of Education, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Australian Education Union Victoria, Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania - IEU, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering, Ben Carroll, Jason Clare MP, Ed Husic MP #scienceteaching #scienceeducation #stemeducation #stemskills #stemcareers #teaching #learning #futureskills

Today’s global challenges range from the economic and environmental to the geopolitical and technological. While safeguarding our future requires creative solutions, much of the discussion around them centres on scientific and technological approaches. This narrative translates into #educationpolicy and increased funding for #STEM subjects. Rightly so: we need strong STEM skills to tackle such challenges, but such a focus has led to a more unbalanced school curriculum and a privileging of certain subjects to the detriment of others. Are #SHAPE subjects (social sciences, humanities and the arts) being overshadowed due to a singular drive to support STEM alone? Tallulah Holley argues that this prioritisation risks the creation of a pipeline of students unable to draw on the full range of approaches necessary to address today’s most urgent global challenges.

Check out my recent blog for The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 👇 Thanks to LSE Impact Blog and Michael Taster 👏

The Science Education Tracker 2023 report only adds to concerns around STEM education in the UK. Over five years, we’ve seen “a negative shift in young people’s engagement, aspirations and participation in science at school.” Things aren’t only bad—they’re getting worse. But there are some silver linings: Most students see science as relevant to wider society. Their enthusiasm is high when they start secondary school, even if it dips later. They’re motivated by practical work, even if they don’t do enough of it. 77% of students are interested in some type of STEM career. We have all the evidence we need to understand the problems—and clues from young people themselves on how to solve them. Let’s use all that we’ve learned to reverse the decline of science education in the UK, so that we see a transformed picture five years from now. Let’s keep pushing for change together! https://lnkd.in/eehHrVyK

Title: Beyond STEM: Embracing a Well-Rounded Education Approach in South Africa 📚 In an era that glorifies STEM fields - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - students globally, including here in South Africa, face significant pressure from parents and peers to pursue these subjects. But what about arts, humanities, or social sciences? Aren't these crucial too for cultivating well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in the 21st-century landscape? During my own school years, I remember feeling pulled towards the arts, yet societal expectations nudged me towards science. It's a narrative many among us can relate to. Reflecting years later, I appreciate the beauty in having a broad academic curriculum and how it has enriched my professional and personal life. While STEM is undoubtedly critical in today's job market, we must not underestimate the value of diverse academic pursuits that foster creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. Encouraging a balanced education system can help alleviate undue stress and anxiety that stems from funneling students into specific fields. It allows students to explore their genuine interests and potentials. So, what can we do? Both educators and parents have pivotal roles: 1. Offer students the freedom to explore a variety of subjects. 2. Provide guidance based on students’ strengths and interests, not just market demand. 3. Implement policies that recognize and reward a broad range of competencies. Let's start a conversation: 🤔 Have you ever felt pressured to pursue a subject that didn't align with your passions? 💬 What steps should our education system take to promote a more holistic approach? I encourage everyone in academia, industry, and policy-making to reflect on these issues. Your insights could be the beacon that guides the next generation towards a more fulfilling educational journey. #EducationReform #HolisticEducation #StudentWellbeing #CareerGuidance #SkillsPassport 🎓