Local Meetings for Policy Making (D.5.2)

EDUSIMSTEAM Project Successfully Completes Focus Group Meetings with Key Stakeholders

October 2, 2023

In a significant step toward advancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education on a national level, the EDUSIMSTEAM project has successfully conducted a series of focus group meetings with key stakeholders. These meetings, organized as part of Task 5.2 within WP5 (Work Package 5), brought together policymakers, educators, industry representatives, and other important figures in the education landscape.

Engaging National Stakeholders

The aim of these focus group meetings was to engage national stakeholders in discussions surrounding STEAM education and gather their invaluable insights. Representatives from various sectors, including Ministries of Education, research centers, universities, schools, industry chambers, local communities, non-formal education settings, and businesses, actively participated in these events.

Key Focus Areas

Each focus group session, lasting approximately 90 minutes, delved into several critical aspects of STEAM education, including:

1. Understanding STEAM Education: Participants discussed their perspectives and understanding of STEAM education, recognizing its significance in fostering 21st-century skills.
2. Prioritizing STEAM Education: The conversations revolved around strategies to make STEAM a priority in education, highlighting the importance of making it accessible to all.
3. Challenges and Opportunities: Participants explored the challenges and opportunities inherent in STEAM education, paving the way for informed decision-making.
4. Awareness and Participation: Strategies and resources to raise awareness and increase participation in STEAM education were deliberated, ensuring inclusivity and equity.
5. Teacher Capacity Building: The focus groups discussed ways to enhance teachers’ capacity, particularly in the areas of robotics and computational thinking, to effectively deliver STEAM education.
6. Stakeholder Partnerships: The importance of forming strong partnerships between various stakeholders in the STEAM education ecosystem was emphasized.

Presentations Setting the Context

Each focus group session began with a presentation setting the context for the discussions. This included highlighting the need for 21st-century skills, understanding the European Policy Context, and exploring different approaches to STEAM education.

EDUSIMSTEAM as a Solution

The meetings concluded with a discussion of the EDUSIMSTEAM project’s outcomes and how these outputs can contribute to the advancement of STEAM education in future policies.

Completing a Crucial Milestone

With the completion of these focus group meetings, the EDUSIMSTEAM project has taken a significant step towards formulating a national strategy for STEAM education. The insights gathered from diverse stakeholders will inform the project’s direction and contribute to the development of policies that promote STEAM education on a broader scale.

The next steps for the project include analyzing the key discussion points from the focus groups and incorporating them into the final strategy book. This collaborative effort exemplifies the project’s commitment to reshaping the educational landscape and fostering a brighter future through STEAM education. Here is the focus group strategy document.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed during the focus group meetings do not necessarily represent those of the EDUSIMSTEAM project partners.