Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer Schools

Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer Schools

Today, student-centred learning is a common vision at many universities and the use of technology in teaching is our daily practice. It is also often already a part of some university teaching training. However, in practice, many lecturers still don’t feel comfortable enough using active learning course designs and digital technology in their courses, and they fall back on traditional lecturing, particularly in large groups of students and in conventional classrooms.

To tackle this deficiency, the ECTN WG Eurolecurer Academy organizes short 2.5-day Teaching and Learning in STEM summer schools around one specific education theme in STEM higher education (STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). A theme can be a teaching method, pedagogical approach or use of digital technology in teaching and learning. In each Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer school, participants will gain knowledge and skills needed to get comfortable within the theme and be able to apply it in their own educational practice.

The ECTN summer schools in the series Teaching and Learning in STEM are exceptional opportunity for university lecturers and programme directors in STEM disciplines who are dedicated to student-centered teaching and learning. The immersive program of these 2.5-day summer schools and vivid discussions in the international community of practitioners will empower participants to enhance the quality of their teaching and the curricula.

With this series, the ECTN continues the tradition of organizing summer schools on teaching and learning in university STEM, which began with the “Newly Appointed University Chemistry Teaching Staff – Summer School, Malta, Sliema” held from June 22–29, 2005, and June 12–16, 2007. Many who attended those events now hold high academic positions.

The first summer school in the series “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education STEM” is “Question-Driven Learning in STEM” and takes place in 2025.

PARTICIPANTS: The Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer Schools are open to university lecturers in STEM disciplines who wish to enhance their teaching skills and to programme directors who wish to introduce more active learning in their curricula.

GOALS & OUTCOMES: Participants will develop university teaching competences and exchange their views in the international STEM education community, enabling them to implement it in their own educational practice.

PROGRAM & METHODS: The Teaching and Learning in STEM Summer Schools take 2.5 days and offer a range of inspiring interactive workshops, collaborative group sessions, and powerful discussions. The study program is based on active learning and co-creation.

CERTIFICATION: Participants who successfully complete all parts of the summer school will be awarded an “ECTN certificate in Teaching and Learning in STEM” considering the specific subject of the summer school, recognizing their skills in that subject and their commitment to student-centered education.

ORGANISATION: The summer schools in the series “Teaching and Learning in higher education STEM” Summer Schools are organised by the European Chemistry Thematic Network Working Group Eurolecturer Academy in cooperation with the local organizing university.