Pre-Conference Workshop

ECIS Fall Conference | Barcelona, Spain

in collaboration with Mediterranean Center for Innovation in
Education

Connected at the STEM: Integrated Learning in Action

Dates
november 18-19, 2015

Location
American School of Barcelona
Jaume Balmes, 7
08950 - Esplugues de Llobregat
Barcelona - SPAIN

Target Audience:
Elementary and Middle School Teachers, Elementary and Middle School Administrators,
Curriculum Coordinators

Overview
This two-day institute, held on the premises of the American School of Barcelona, will provide
participants the opportunity to engage in interactive, embedded professional learning in an
authentic context with international school students. Four expert facilitators will work with
elementary and middle school students on integrated projects focused on engineering design,
sciences, coding, problem-solving, and the application of design thinking to engage in the
process of meeting real-world challenges. The teaching lab setting will involve both the
students as well as the guest teachers attending the institute. Activities will include:

modeling of teaching and facilitating of learning by the institute instructors

interaction between students and institute attendees
break-out reflection and extension sessions in professional learning cohorts
clinical, hands-on workshop time focused on designing STEM learning units that are
integrated, purposeful and connected to the real world

Learning Outcomes
Participants will engage in the institute as an embedded learner; this is an active learning event
where the participants will be exploring concepts and ideas together, side by side with their
colleagues, the facilitators and the students. Over the two days participants will:
develop a deeper understanding of what STEM education is, and how the integration of
the disciplines -- and the associated thinking and problem-solving that comes with it -- is
a vital component of powerful STEM-focused education.
explore
c
ase studies of STEM learning that connects young students to deeper thinking
and to real-world skills
engage in STEM learning activities alongside students, leading to meaningful reflection
on designing learning that is integrated and interconnected
evaluate the effectiveness of integrated learning activities with elementary and middle
school students
deconstruct challenges and barriers that may exist within participants own schools
design learning units that integrate STEM concepts and develop connected thinking
skills in students
formulate next steps in developing a practical and actionable plan for their own unique
school or organizational context