STEAM Learning Ecologies

STE(A)M Learning Ecologies (SLEs) is an EU-funded project (Horizon Europe) developing engaging open schooling-enabled science learning paths for all in learning continuums of formal and informal education settings focusing on inclusiveness. The project highlights the necessary conditions for bringing together all formal, non-formal and informal education actors, as well as enterprises and the civil society and giving all space and motivation to take initiative and central roles. By building on promising previous results, the project proposes a framework that facilitates the creation of inclusive educational synergies in the form of interconnected knowledge ecosystems. The project is also studying the benefits of open schooling as a driving force in European and national policymaking. To achieve these, SLEs is introducing the powerful concept of “learning ecologies” as vehicles for envisaging and realising impactful local open schooling partnerships. A Learning Ecology is the physical, social and cultural context in which learning takes place.

What a Learning Ecology is

A Learning Ecology is the physical, social, and cultural context in which learning takes place. Like natural ecosystems, learning ecologies have physical dimensions, which may include easy access to nature, science museums or advanced science programmes and internships. However, we are less used to thinking about the sociocultural dimensions of learning ecologies. Robust science learning ecologies, like their counterparts in nature, are characterised by diversity and local adaptations. A robust science learning ecology contains a variety of programmes, across institutions and places, allowing students different and multiple ways to engage with science in the form of a learning continuum.