VANTAAN KULTTUURIKAUPUNKI TIEDOTUSTILAISUUS

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Engaging 14 - 19 year olds in science discovery
centres May 29, 2008, 1615
Teenagers in focus at Heureka
Matti Rossi Director of Learning Heureka, the
Finnish Science Centre
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YOUNG FINNS AMONG THE WORLD TOP IN LEARNING
OUTCOME

• The PISA programme (within OECD) assesses the
  knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students
• Young Finns were among top in mathematical,
  science and reading literacy and in
  problem-solving according to the OECD PISA 2003
  and 2006 assessments
• Why?- Equal opportunities for education
  irrespective of domicile or economic situation-
  Highly qualified, autonomous teachers-
  Successful national curriculum- Variable
  teaching methods- Many ways to encounter
  different learners with their different needs

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YOUNG FINNS AMONG THE WORLD TOP IN LEARNING
OUTCOME

• Analysing the PISA results
• THE FINNISH SUCCESS IN PISA AND SOME REASONS
  BEHIND IT. Jouni Välijärvi, Pekka Kupari, Pirjo
  Linnakylä, Pasi Reinikainen, Sari Sulkunen, Jukka
  Törnroos, Inga Arffman, 2007
• Positive impact on learning results
• Demonstrations given by teachers
• Actual real-life examples
• News media as a source of information
• Internet as a source of information
• Integrative topics environmental issues
• Teachers ability to give a summary of important
  themes
• Early science education

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New Learning Centre at Heureka

• We support the Finnish schools in science and
  technology education
• We test new learning practises and produce
  didactic materials for teachers
• We give additional training to teachers on all
  school levels

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Heureka-visit is a great learning experience!
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New paradigm in learning the learning
environment concept

• Five views into learning environmentsPhysicalSo
  cialTechnologicalLocalDidactic

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Learning environments

• PhysicalPlanning and design of learning spaces

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Learning environments

• Social and psychologicalSocial interaction that
  creates a climate of mutual respect, co-operation
  and opennes
• Learning is an enjoyable experience

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Learning environments

• TechnologicalDigital, modern,
  mobileWeb-based, virtual

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Learning environments

• LocalCity, countryside, museum, café,
  campsOut-of-the-school experience

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Learning environments

• DidacticalStimuli and triggers for
  learningStudy materials (image, text, sound),
  use of senses (hearing, sight, smell, touch)

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Create a dazzling learning environment!

• Use their toolsLet them playLet them go outLet
  them argue

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Learning environment and teenagers

• Broad and interesting topics
• New technology
• Social interaction
• Discussion and debate
• Access (social internet)

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The Amazing Rally

• Climate protection
• Mobile game at Heurekas Media room and
  exhibition area
• Web materials and result summary on the internet
  for downloading at school

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The Amazing Rally
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The Amazing Rally
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The Amazing Rally

• Social game on a mobile platform
• Clarifies the energy consumption and carbon
  release by different vehicles
• Your own choices affect the climate!
• Media Room discussion on results on a SmartBoard
• Engine and fuel technology
• Study materials Future car and fuel
• After-visit tasks on the internet calculate your
  carbon release

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The Amazing Rally School version
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Whats next Liikkeelle! Get Moving!

• Project funded by the Finnish National Board of
  Education
• Use the local environment as a learning
  experience
• New tools mobile phones, navigation, free
  digital map service for school use
• Mobile data collection in a playful environment
• Transfer the data and discuss the results

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Summary

• Make the learning environment appealing to
  teenagers tools, topics, discussion
• Build the programs to fit the national
  educational tasks help the teachers in
  difficult topics
• Encourage discussion, participation and social
  networking on the internet

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Kiitos! Thank you!