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iCal calendarA seminar "Experiential learning in an open learning environment" takes place at the Energy Discovery Centre on 18 and 19 September. The seminar introduces a Tallinn University course that bears the same name. The course starts in Tallinn University teacher training this academic year.
Tallinn University developed the innovative teacher training course "Experiential learning in an open learning environment" in cooperation with the Energy Discovery Centre and partners from the University of Latvia, University of Helsinki and Latvian Science Centre Z(in)oo. The course is created on the example of a course that has been delivered already for 15 years in cooperation between the Finnish Science Centre Heureka and the teacher education department of the University of Helsinki.
"In a normal lesson learning is usually based on a study book. The Energy Discovery Centre develops the opportunities for experiential learning in Estonia through the so called ‘hands on’ exhibitions and programmes. The course starting from spring at Tallinn University marks the first time when teaching through experiential learning will be taught in Estonia. The importance of experiential learning is increasingly recognized in the world, because several studies have shown that what is learned from experience is better embedded and remembered than something read only from a study book. Therefore we are glad to be TU partners in this and be the platform for the new course. In Estonian context this is a real educational innovation," says Kertu Saks, the director of the Energy Discovery Centre.
The use of experiential teaching methods and activities for an open learning environment are taught in the framework of this course. The practical part and seminars of the course take place in the Energy Discovery Centre. During the course students prepare lesson plans, the best of which shall be made available for all students and also teachers in the web environment of the course.
The experts of the course have stressed that implementation of experiential learning is important at all levels of education and in all school types.
"As the subjects of the Energy Discovery Centre are focused on science, then the course is primarily aimed at future teachers of natural science, physics, chemistry and mathematics, but also class teachers. Today teacher education of Estonian universities is facing a serious problem, because these study fields are not popular among prospective teachers. With this course the university expands its learning environment outside of the university to the exciting environment of the discovery centre. Adding of a new and fascinating subject to the study programme also helps to popularize natural sciences and science teacher education," said Katrin Poom-Valickis, an associate professor of TU Institute of Educational Sciences.
The course starts at Tallinn University as an elective with course load of 3 ECTS credits. The course is also suitable for continuing teacher education.
The course was developed in the framework of an international cooperation project. During the creation of the new course the university was expertly advised by Estonian teachers and educational practitioners. A similar course was simultaneously developed by Latvian educational experts also for the University of Latvia. The general expert of the project was the teacher education department of the University of Helsinki headed by Professor Hannu Salmi and Tallinn University was the coordinator. The project was financed by Nordplus Higher Education.
The Energy Discovery Centre offers interactive science study to both adults and children interested in science. The discovery centre was founded by Eesti Energia, the Tallinn University of Technology, the city of Tallinn and Tallinna Soojus.