Abstract

Bridging the gap between formal education and informal learning by teacher professsional development

Hannu Salmi, University of Helsinki, Finland

This presentation describes the developments and results of the widespread Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) actions in numerous teachers communities in Europe by combining formal teaching and informal learning opportunities. The main target for this professional and persnal development is in-service teachers and teacher students. TThe results show how to use modern, interactive science exhibitions combining the best practices of informal learning and formal education. The objective is to utilise the key elements of curriculums in different countries to teach the scientific research process based on learning in science centres and teaching at school. Pedagogical hands-on methods originally developed in science centre context are adopted, converted and moved into the formal education via effective teacher training. The paper presents evidence based results related to open learning environments as well as best pracices developed in co-operation with teacher education institutes, school authorities, universities, educational administrations and schools. Especially the role of intrinsic motivation is essential in informal learning settings. The multidiscipline contents of modern science centre exhibitions are large and unique forming a reliable learning source.  The science centres will use the pedagogical expertise of the teachers and teacher training institutes as well as the curriculum development input by the educational authorities. Also the latest research results related to the affect of the informal learning sources to the career choices of young people – especially as they create opportunities for girls – are used and further developed and disseminated in this project. Teachers as researchers as well as practitioners, who use an evidence-based approach, is a movement that is gaining momentum in several parts of the world. The future dilemma is, if it is possible to create an stable European network linking formal and informal learning with the input of TEPE. European Commision has shown clear interest in supporting this type of activities.