Teachers Empowering Teachers: Transforming Science Education Through Peer-Led Training
Stefanie Schlunk, Science on Stage Europe (Germany)
Liliana Fernándes, Agrupamento de Escolas de Alberto Sampaio, Ministry of Education (Portugal)
Anders Blomqvist, Vetenskapens Hus, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) (Sweden)
Jikta Houfkova, Member of the Board of Science on Stage Europe (Czech Republic)
Paul Nugent, Institute of Physics (Ireland)
Abstract
Science on Stage Europe transforms the professional development of primary and secondary science educators through an innovative, peer-driven model that emphasises knowledge exchange and collaboration among teachers. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, traditional training methods often fail to equip teachers with the practical skills and innovative approaches required to engage students effectively. Science on Stage Europe fills this gap with a unique "from teachers, for teachers" framework, where training is not only led by educators but also designed with a strong focus on creativity, interdisciplinarity, and hands-on methods that teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms.
At the heart of our approach is the recognition that teachers are best positioned to understand the dynamic needs of their classrooms. Our training programs offer a vibrant platform where educators share practical, classroom-tested ideas in science teaching, explore new technologies, and collaboratively develop strategies to ignite students' passion for STEM. By fostering a supportive network across 35 countries, we provide teachers with continuous access to a wealth of resources, diverse perspectives, and a treasure trove of good examples.
This presentation will highlight Science on Stage’s successful initiatives in teacher training, showcasing practical examples that have led to measurable improvements in teachers' motivation, job satisfaction, and student engagement. Attendees will learn about specific methods for designing effective peer-to-peer training sessions, the impact of international exchanges in inspiring educators, and the role of teacher-led innovation in addressing global educational challenges such as AI, inclusion, and sustainability. Science on Stage Europe’s approach underscores the importance of empowering teachers as agents of change, allowing them to drive educational transformation from the ground up, and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.+
Keywords: Teacher Training, Professional Development, STEM Education, Innovative Pedagogy, Science on Stage Europe, International Collaboration
REFERENCES
[1] https://www.science-on-stage.eu/professional-development
[2] Sanoma Learning, European Teacher Survey 2024
[3] Cukurova, M., Kralj, L., Hertz, B. & Saltidou, E. (2024). Professional Development for Teachers in the Age of AI. European Schoolnet. Brussels, Belgium
[4] OECD (2020), TALIS 2018 Results (Volume II): Teachers and School Leaders as Valued Professionals, TALIS, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/19cf08df-en.