STEM learning in non-formal contexts
Objective
The joint project MINT-LinK accompanies the establishment of the STEM Education Centre in Hirschaid with the aim of developing scientific implications. The project includes scientific monitoring of the initial set-up phase of the centre as well as research analyses on the prerequisites for young people's participation in STEM learning opportunities and the success factors of non-formal learning contexts outside of school. In addition, learning programmes will be designed with a focus on artificial intelligence.
Background
Despite various political and social efforts, STEM subjects remain unattractive for many young people, especially girls, which increases the shortage of skilled workers and leaves the potential of our society untapped. The new STEM centre in a rural region with an integrated TUMO learning centre is intended to create a more inclusive access platform to STEM learning opportunities in order to inspire young people and promote their STEM skills. The development will be scientifically accompanied.
Approach
Scientific support during the start-up phase of the STEM Centre and the evaluation are carried out jointly with the University of Bamberg. LIfBi is responsible for the sub-project ‘Conditions for the success of non-formal STEM learning environments and individual prerequisites’. LIfBi is focussing on the data-based analysis of the prerequisites for young people's participation in STEM learning opportunities, with a particular focus on girls and educationally disadvantaged groups, as well as on the analysis of key conditions for successful extracurricular STEM education based on data from the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS). The University of Bamberg is involved in the conceptualisation, implementation and evaluation of learning modules on the subject of artificial intelligence, which are specifically aimed at children of primary and early secondary school age.