Creative learning in Techniquest

     Techniquest is based in Cardiff Bay and offers numerous unique hands-on experiences. It is suitable for all learners, from primary to secondary school age children and even adults will find something enjoyable to explore.  I think, primary age school children will enjoy and benefit from the exhibits the most because they are just starting their discovery and exploration of learning with science. 

     Techniquest provides additional help and support for teachers and learners to expand knowledge into practical hands-on experiences. In Techniquest there are more than 100 hands-on exhibits that place a child in the centre of learning and investigating science and maths tasks. These hands-on experiences aim to encourage children to use their creative, physical and thinking skills to apply them into practice and find solution for each exhibit.  All educational programmes organised in Techniquest are designed to support and work alongside the National and Literacy Framework.

         The exhibit I explored was the glass sphere. I think cross-curricula learning was achieved because the subject knowledge used in this exhibit were physics, chemistry, physical skills.  I would recommend this exhibit for children in primary and secondary schools because by hands-on experiences learners will investigate how it works and discussed it in the classroom. Children will work in team, collaborate, taking turns and asking questions.

       In my opinion, children learn best from real settings and experiences that can practice themselves. Teachniquest is a very interesting place that promotes learning and doing. The place itself promotes healthy learning, it has an open plan setting with plenty of natural light and space creates very fresh and dynamic environment for children.

Reference
www.techniquest.org

Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship

       Today, I would like to reflect my thoughts on an approach Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC). The aim of this approach is to develop our understanding and knowledge about aspects of our everyday life and on a global scale.  The ESDGC project is supported by Welsh Government policy and it’s integrated into curriculum and management of schools.  The ESDGC also cooperates and works with local, national and international organisations all over the world. It is a very powerful project that enables people to develop an understanding about the world and the issues related to environment, humanity and planet as a whole. ESDGC is divided into seven themes which are: wealth and poverty, health, natural environment, climate change, identity and culture, choices and decisions, consumption and waste (DCELLS, 2008). 

       Personally, I didn’t have a chance to experience this approach in school.  There are many schools, such as Dyffryn School in Port Talbot, that actively takes a part in this project. It is beneficial for all learners, teachers and those around them. By clearer aims and structure, it helps to understand and gain new experiences and knowledge. More importantly, it opens and broadens minds about the issues related to the themes mentioned above. Children learn about everything that happens around them, in their community and country but also learn about other countries. This approach, not only expands our knowledge but also changes the way we live and experience our day to day activities. Children share their experiences with peers, family and friends. In this form, the inquiry learning is expanding to a wider audience making it interesting and powerful. By learning about other cultures and communities, we respect others and appreciate their values and beliefs. This form of education brings communities closer and raises awareness of the issues that relates to each person who lives on this planet.                                                                

        I grew up living and learning in Poland. The issues discussed in this approach are as important here as they are in Poland. By learning about this approach, it proves how important is to celebrate cultural, environmental and linguistic diversity, foster positive attitudes towards others who are different to us. More importantly, it involves everybody to care for our future and our planet no matter where you are from. Through my journey to becoming a teacher, reflecting and exploring new ways of educating children in the 21^st century it is very inspirational and fascinating.

   

    

Reference

DCELLS. (2008) Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship: A Common Understanding for Schools. Welsh  Assembly Government

Welsh Government policies for ESDGC