DCU to lead 3.4m Euro project to improve science teaching in the classroom
- 11 June 2009

DCU to lead a EUR3.4m EU research project to improve science teaching in the classroom

DCU is to lead a EUR3.4m EU Seventh Framework Programme funded project to bring about a change in the way science is taught in the classroom. The long-term aim is to generate a greater interest in science subjects at school, improve the take-up of science at third level and also increase the number of skilled graduates for employment in science and technology.

DCU's Dr. Eilish McLoughlin has been appointed Principal Investigator of this exciting initiative. "It is in the interests of the EU economy to encourage and stimulate an interest in science, which has fallen off in recent times. We need to establish a new way of thinking about how science is learned and bring all the stakeholders together to implement and support this approach in the classroom" she said.

"A proven mechanism to achieve increased children's interest and achievements in science is to change to an inquiry-based approach. This requires a mind-set change on the part of the teacher, where the teacher often presents the concepts and information, including results of experiments even before the student carries them out, to a more inductive approach where the teacher creates the atmosphere to allow for student observation, experimentation and planning, and through teacher guidance, students can construct their own knowledge", she said.

The project consortium consists of over 60 partners from the Netherlands, Cyprus, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Malta, Slovakia, Germany, Estonia and Italy. It involves science education researchers, scientists, teacher educators, teachers, students, parents, SMEs and industry. It will support teachers and encourage students to enjoy science by stimulating their interest and encouraging participation in the classroom.