"The Future of STEM Learning with Digital Tools", a project funded by the Deutsche Telekom Foundation has come to a successful end after three years. In two contributions, T-CEL member Christian Dictus-Christoph explained the importance of critical thinking and how it can be taught in a playful way. In the game "MINT-Town" (see also RESEARCH), students or even playful adults can experience adventures in different levels and easily trace the basic ideas of Critical Thinking. The materials and the game are free of charge at "teacher online"! Try it!
The contributions can be found here in the two open access publications (in german):
Volume 1 (Perspectives on digital STEM Teaching and Teacher Education)
Volume 2 (Digital Tools and Methods for Teaching and Learning)
Many students were not allowed to attend school during the Corona lockdowns, and the natural science subjects, which actually rely on experimentation as a method of gaining knowledge, had to resort to digital solutions or "kitchen chemistry". Some things can be absorbed in this way, but many things cannot!
T-CEL offers in cooperation with the Interdisciplinary Center Humboldt-ProMINT Kolleg this year again several one-week vacation courses for students, in which they can catch up deficits in their experimentation skills.
03.04 - 06.04
31.07 - 04.08
21.08 - 25.08
30.10 - 03.11
They will take place at T-CEL's locations and are aimed at students in grades 7-10.
To join a course: write to Dr. Joachim Kranz (Joachim.kranz.1.@hu-berlin.de)
Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Tiemann
Head of the Chemistry Education Lab
The research program of the Tiemann Chemistry Education Lab has a strong commitment to knowledge acquisition by problem solving. In quantitative studies with technology based tools the focus is on describing, assessing and supporting the fundamental mechanisms behind this process.
"We only think when we are confronted with problems."
(John Dewey)
Combined with the use of experiments and the use of mental models to understand core concepts of Chemistry, the research program empowers the Tiemann Chemistry Education Lab, theory-driven and empirically, to investigate students' thinking individually or in classrooms. Alumni group members serve as Professors, for Science Outreach Organizations or as Chemistry Teachers.
The Chemistry Education Lab at Humboldt-University serves more than 100 students at K-12 (Sekundarstufe) and primary level (Primarstufe) each year through a diverse portfolio of theoretical background knowledge and first practical learning experiences.
From students for students (in german): Video
The professional learning program is designed to improve the skills and competencies in creating innovative learning environments and to learn first teaching experiences. Up to 10 students per year have the chance to finish their studies in T-CEL with a thesis (M.Ed.).
From students for students (in german): Video