General Info
STEAM attempts to transform the traditional teacher-centered teaching into the teaching where the investigatory -exploratory learning and the collaborative actions of the students, who are involved in activities related to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, have a dominant role in the learning process. Our proposal concerns the integration of STEAM practices in the subject matter of the "Flexible Zone". "Flexible Zone" aims to develop the initiative action of students and teachers and to cultivate their critical and creative thinking through a holistic and interdisciplinary knowledge approach and the implementation of activities and work plans.
Applicability and Audience
Details
The integration of STEAM practices in the «Flexible Zone» subject matter is in line with its philosophy and goals and facilitate students to interdisciplinary approach of the knowledge
The «Flexible Zone of Cross-thematic and Creative Activities» is an innovative umbrella program that includes all school activity programs that can be implemented in Primary Schools. The «Flexible Zone of Cross-thematic and Creative Activities» as a subject matter, is part of the weekly curriculum and is taught for 3 hours in grades A and B and for 2 hours in grades C and D. It aims to approach various topics chosen by the teacher in collaboration with the pupils, in an interdisciplinary, cross-thematic, flexible and enjoyable way, going beyond the conventional program. Topics that can be explored can come from the pupils’ interests, the current issues of their place and the world, but also from the stimuli offered by the school lessons (e.g. Health education topics, Road Safety, Environment, Education of Consumer, Technology, Literature, etc.). They are approached by experiential and energetic methods and techniques that activate critical thinking and creativity, contribute to student autonomy and the development of a critical understanding of global challenges. They also contribute to their active participation in school and in the wider community and to encourage behaviors governed by the values of solidarity and respect for diversity. The integration of STEAM practices in the «Flexible Zone» subject matter contributes to the achievement of its targets. STEAM attempts to transform the traditional teacher-centered teaching into the teaching where the investigatory -exploratory learning and the collaborative actions of the students, who are involved in activities related to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, have a dominant role in the learning process. STEAM provides skills development opportunities by encouraging children to answer questions and engage them in playful activities. Through the implementation of STEAM through projects, pupils learn to reflect on the solving authentic problems process and acquire skills related to globalization in education, as it focuses on critical thinking, team work (cooperation) and has been reported to decrease the knowledge gap between learners from different countries.
Firstly, teachers discuss and decide the theme of their activity together with their students. STEAM actions and programs are implemented upon the proposal of the teacher who teach the flexible zone discipline after he has discussed the class' proposal with the school teachers’ team.
The Educational work coordinators encourage, the teachers co-decide the topic of the STEAM program with their pupils and suggest its implementation to the school teachers’ team.