Jobs out of the box – MINI MINT
Interests in MINT start early or never – MINI MINT enables activities and enthusiasm in early stages of personal development of kids and young people. This does not mean “professional orientation” – it means to get in contact with “hands-on” experiences in a way that fits to possible interests and competences of young people in this age. This can be reflected in an pedagogical approach for further personal development of potentials and talents.
In a supplementary module, there is the opportunity to reflect on practical experiences with entrepreneurs and in-company trainers from the region. This concept has so far been tested in the construction, services, electrical, retail/e-commerce, wood, metal and care & health sectors. In this version for kids it is special designed for the needs, options and perspectives of this age group
With regard to the STEM strategy of the Upper Styria East region, an additional box was developed and tested in RealityCheck, which is not based on the classic occupational sectors, but allows cross-occupational professions from the field of STEM – mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology – to be experienced practically. (STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths – in German: MINT – Maths, Informatik, Natural Sciences, Technique). The methods are created to the special pedagogical and psychosocial needs of kids in the age of 6 to 10.
The assignment takes place as part of school lessons in various subjects in the primary school This RealityCheck can therefore be assigned to both the formal context and the non-formal area.
The concept “Jobs out of the box – STEM” combines practical “hands-on” activities based on selected practical activities in the broad STEM application area with internal and external reflection – teacher in the class and entrepreneurs and in-company trainers from the region
Methods and processes of MINI STEM
In particular, the following methods are used
- Exemplary “hands-on” experiences in the area of MINT, created for the age group
- Serious, but playful methods to experience several field of MINT / STEM
- Connection to professions out of the living environment of young people
- Involvement of parents in the discourse concerning potentials, perspectives, pathways
- Exploring the areas in that kids are most interested and excited – and support that
Learning outcomes
Additional learning outcomes
- Exemplary “hands-on” experiences in the area of MINT, created for the age group
- Serious, but playful methods to experience several field of MINT / STEM
- Connection to professions out of the living environment of young people
- Involvement of parents in the discourse concerning potentials, perspectives, pathways
- Exploring the areas in that kids are most interested and excited – and support that
- Experience in various hands-on activities
- Open mind for a broader range of possible personal interests
- Recognition of own competencies and abilities as base for further improvement
- Early intervention for personal perspectives independent from gender or social aspects
- Incentive for further interaction concerning practical and professional topics in families
- It’s more than motivation – the goal is to inspire and arouse lasting interest
Implementation
Step-by-step
The creation of the box, including hands-on application examples, is carried out by NGOs in close coordination with the network partners and professional representatives from the professional fields of STEM as well as with the regional management as partners in the MINT Strategy Upper Styria East.
The NGO creates detailed instructions for action on the overall pedagogical and didactic concept and on the practical use of the box and the concept as a handle for the teacher in the class.
Depending on the needs, the NGO – BerufsFindungsBegleitung supports school and teachers in contacting entrepreneurs in the region.
The companies in the region’s network partnership represent a competent and powerful resource for contact with entrepreneurs and in-company trainers of the regions from the field of STEM.
Involved professions
Schools are the place where the hands-on activities are carried out. The creation of the boxes and the detailed instructions is carried out by the NGO. Companies are actively involved by entrepreneurs and in-company trainers.
Preparation & follow-up
The concept Jobs out of the box – STEM is integrated in the pedagogical process in primary school and is prepared by the teachers of the class, accompanied and then further dealt with as part of the curriculum concerning the national regulations, together with other approaches to the real world of work that are provided for in the curriculum.
Due to the fact this concept is integrated into the annual programme, the concept Jobs out of the box – MINI STEM has a lasting effect, both as a non-formal programme within a formal curriculum and as an element of the implementation of the STEM Strategy Upper Styria East.
Evaluation
The evaluation is carried out in coordination with the school’s teaching program, as the concept “Jobs out of the box – STEM” is used as an integrated part of the curriculum for educational and career orientation. Every evaluation at the school requires approval by the state’s education directorate.
- It is recommended to rate according to the categories
- Activation through hands-on approach
- Arousing interest in STEM professions
- Information content of the discussions with entrepreneurs in the region from the STEM field
- Results and findings from reflection
- Effect of linking to qualifying STEM content from school offerings