Achieve maximum participation in K-12 scientific education

Key points:

More than half of science teachers believe that the most important value of scientific education is how it contributes to curiosity, critical thinking and creativity of students, according to a new Lego Education report. But today's students are really committed to scientific education?

Lego education Classroom State Participation Report: Scientific Edition He survey more than 6,000 global teachers, parents, students and US administrators to collect data that can offer information to support educators as they strive to involve their students in science learning.

Learning science builds life skills will use students even if they do not pursue science in university or as a career. The participation and well -being of students also increases, but here is the capture: students must feel connected to the material to develop these skills.

According to the report, just over half of global science teachers say that their students are dedicated to science, which points to a critical need to boost commitment to the subject. Interestingly, students say they are more involved in science than in school in general. Only a third of teachers worldwide indicate that their students are involved in the classroom. Schools could take advantage of students 'interest in science to build commitment throughout the school, a key factor linked to students' well -being.

When students are not involved in science, what is behind that lack of commitment? Often, they are intimidated before they even learn the material, and assume that the issues are too challenging. Students lose confidence before trying. Of the students who say that science is their least favorite theme, 45 percent say that science is too hard and 37 percent say they are bad in science. In addition, 77 percent of global teachers say they believe that students fight due to complex concepts and curricula, and are looking for shocking resources that support the success of each student.

“If students think they are not good in the field or avoid it, we run the risk of losing a complete generation of innovatives and problem solving,” said Victor Saeijs, president of Lego Education, in the report.

How can educators reach students fighting to interact with science? The learning of practical science is the key to awakening the curiosity of students, which leads them to commit to learning material and generate trust while exploring science concepts. Sixty -two percent of science teachers say that practical activities promote students in science. Seventy -five percent of science teachers who incorporate practical activities believe that this approach leads to higher test scores and grades.

More students need access to the learning of practical science. Only 55 percent of students say they regularly obtain practical experiences; These experiences generally require additional time and resources to plan and execute. Eighty -two percent of science teachers say they need more ways to teach science with game and practical methods.

Having access to practical science learning experiences increases students' confidence, giving them the impulse they often need to address more and more difficult concepts to learn:

• 73 percent of students with access to practical learning opportunities report feeling safe in science
• Only 52 percent of students who do not have access to the practical learning report feel sure of science

Practical experiences in Cience Drive:

• Learning results: 71 percent of science teachers who incorporate playful and practical learning believe that the methodology supports higher test scores and qualifications
• Commitment to all students: 84 percent of the US teachers and 87 percent of administrators think that practical experiences help all types of students commit to the concepts of science
• Love of science: 63 percent of students who love science credit their passion for regular practical experiences
• Trust: 79 percent of students who have practical scientific experiences trust the subject

Administrators and science teachers have little time and need practical tools and resources to quickly involve students in learning:

• 59 percent of American administrators and 54 percent of science teachers say they need more tools to involve students in science
• Almost a third of the students of us do not obtain practical scientific experiences.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of Eschool Media. He graduated from the prestigious Faculty of Journalism of Philip Merrill of the University of Maryland.

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