New Perspectives in Science Education

The article is a study based on the research findings of the Goerudio science education project which has been implemented in seven European countries as part of a European-funded project in the framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme – Transversal Programme – Key Activity 4 Multilateral Project. The project focuses on science and its new role in society: science has become a necessary part of one’s future personal development. The project created a strong learning community across Europe made up of teachers and students who were jointly involved in the project research and its development from the very beginning. The project research is based on the comments posted by the project participants (teachers and students). The article analyses teachers and students’ difficulties when learning and teaching science and highlights the most effective projects and experiences available at European level in the field. The findings identify and select innovative practices which could enhance students’ motivation to learn science. Results have shown that an inquiry-based, interactive and engaging approach relying on both traditional and state-of-the-art teaching methods makes science more appealing and accessible.