A Holistic Pedagogical Model for STEM Learning and Education Inside and Outside the Classroom

Abstract

This article discusses how to innovate STEM learning and education in- and outside of the classroom. It proposes to use a holistic framework for pupil-centered learning processes called Learn STEM. It was developed by an international research consortium based on the findings from mixed methods research. The research included a literature review, semi-structured interviews and three online surveys with the participation of teachers (n = 217), headmasters (n = 24) and learners (n = 354) from more than ten countries. Furthermore, the findings from the mixed methods research are also informing the international research consortium to design a teacher training programme and to develop an online course. This article provides first summaries of the research results related to the holistic pedagogical model and to the training programme. After a short overview of the final holistic pedagogical model Learn STEM, the paper presents one example how the holistic pedagogical model Learn STEM can be used for improving STEM learning and education outside the classroom. Finally, an outlook for future research is focused.