The main focus of this course is the use of the Project Based Learning methodology in STEAM projects. We will be looking at the use of Ice Breakers and Team Building Exercises as prep work for the introduction of PBL activities, the fundamentals of the PBL methodology, the place of makerspaces,  Active Learning Labs/Future Classrooms and Outdoor Learning in PBL activities.

We will work on concrete multidisciplinary projects that will lead us to the Medieval Town of Óbidos and Tapa de Mafra, an expansive nature preserve near the historical Town of Mafra.

We will be brainstorming PBL activities and developing materials for concrete projects that can be applied in your own educational setting.

Furthermore we will look at how to integrate PBL with Student/Class Portfolios as well as making the most of PBL from the perspective of Assessment for Learning methodologies.

Activity Level: This course will involve some walking, but accommodations can be made for any mobility issues.

Location: Hotel Golf Mar, Praia de Porto Novo.

Course Fee: 250 euros individual bookings and 200 euros for bookings of 3 or more participants- fee includes instruction, administration, refreshments, materials, transportation during the course and certificate of attendance. Do bring your own laptop or tablet.

Preparation: Participants will be expected to read the programme and short preparation materials.

Target Group: Schools and other organisations that aim to support students in gaining key skills that will solidly prepare them for adult life such as empathy, resilience, creativity, critical thinking, computational thinking, leadership, teamwork, communication, initiative, problem solving & many more.

Aims: 

Participants will learn how to create materials and implement STEAM themed PBL activities

Participants will learn how to appropriately integrate other areas of knowledge into  STEAM themed PBL activities

Participants will learn how to make the best use of makerspaces, Active Labs/Future Classrooms into PBL activities.

Participants will learn how to seamlessly Outdoor Learning into PBL activities 

Participants will learn how to integrate PBL into their concrete educational setting and practice.

Methodology: We will be learning by looking at and participating in concrete learning scenarios that will fully immerse us in the STEAM  and PBL mindset as well as create materials that can be used in our own educational setting. We will be taking part in indoor and outdoor activities in three different locations: Praia de Porto Novo, Óbidos and Mafra (Tapada de Mafra).

Outcomes: The participants will return to their organisation with the necessary skills to successfully apply the PBL methodology into their STEAM Curricula. Support will be given via email/video chat if needed to support initial implementation.

Trainers:

Laura Marques holds a First Class Honours Bachelor Degree in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, a Postgraduate Degree in  Education from the University of Cumbria and a Masters in Education and Digital Technologies from the University of Lisbon with several published articles in the areas of assessment for learning and the use of digital tools in education. She is a fully Qualified Teacher in the United Kingdom and Portugal. She has 10 years teaching experience primarily in ICT and Computer Science, but has also taught Citizenship, Maths, Science, Music, Religious Education, Languages and Business Studies. She has experience teaching Primary, Secondary, Vocational, Adult and Further Education. She also has 3 years experience in the Computer Science Industry.

Andrew Murray holds a Masters Degree in Geology with Paleobiology from the University of Leicester, a Postgraduate Degree in Education from the University of Southampton and a Masters Degree in Geology and Mining from the University of Coimbra. He has 3 years experience as a Early Years, Primary and Special Needs Educator as well as 5 years experience as a palaeontologist and palaeontology educator.