SySTEM2020

Connecting Science Learning outside the Classroom

The SySTEM2020 project is focused on learning outside school classrooms, primarily in the field of natural sciences and mathematics (STEM). Mapping this type of extra-curricular activities across Europe and also estimating the number of transdisciplinary programs is used as the core when recommended to individual educators using them for similar purpose. The research will cover pupils aged 9 to 20 from 19 different countries, with a balanced selection from various geographical and socio-economic backgrounds. Minorities and migrant communities will also be included, providing by this an active map covering different existing practices in Europe.

Project Description

In its report, the World Economic Forum predicted that 65% of children currently attending school will engage in occupations that presently do not exist. In the past 10 years only, the list of 10 most sought-after skills has changed significantly, and that at the top are skills such as solving complex problems, critical thinking and creativity, which are key skills in science, and above all key skills in STEM disciplines. In this context, the main goal of the SySTEM2020 project is to identify and describe the effect of extra-curricular (non-formal) learning among young people, and to quantify its impact at different levels: individuals, groups, generations, education systems. By examining and mapping different models and practices, which can be summarised under common denominator of non-formal learning, the project will provide recommendations to organisations involved in performing extra-curricular activities, at national and international level. The assessment of the effect of non-formal education through a thorough analysis of various non-formal education models throughout Europe will also provide an insight into the contribution of science to society as a whole. An analysis of interdisciplinary approaches and cooperation with respondents, participants, demonstrators and educators will provide an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the previous programme and give recommendations for improvement. The starting point for defining main challenges in non-formal learning is the involvement of stakeholders, primarily students from different fields as co-creators of ideas and concepts of non-formal education. It is envisaged that the final outcome of the project will be the creation of a system of recommendations for implementation of activities in the framework of non-formal education.

The Role of CPN

The Center participates in all parts of the project. At the level of Southeast Europe, it participates in the mapping of various models of extra-curricular activities and their networking. At national level, it is responsible for creating and monitoring new extra-curricular activities which rely on self-evaluation. CPN organises science camps in less developed parts of Serbia which usually do not have the opportunity to be included in educational models like this one.