About this NavigatorThis glossary helps you understand most common terms used in the Open Schooling Navigator

Glossary

Learning Scenario and Learning Unit

A Learning Scenario is a roadmap for Open Schooling. It consists of various activities - Learning Units - and steps that schools can choose and follow. Make it Open Learning Scenarios consist of 6 to 12 Learning Units.

A Learning Scenario presented in this Open Schooling Navigator should be seen as a supportive framework for teachers, allowing you to do an Open Schooling project with your students. It provides content, tools, and context for such a project. And helps to perceive the community around your school as an asset and a partner.

A Learning Unit describes a specific learning activity and is part of a Learning Scenario.

Of course you are free to pick a Learning Unit here and there and integrate them in your lessons, or to go all the way and adopt an entire Learning Scenario.

Open Schooling indicators

Unlike traditional pedagogical methods, Make it Open Learning Scenarios and Learning Units are based on Open Schooling dimensions. They utilize varied physical settings, modified teaching roles, and unique learning formats to promote a richer, more open, learning experience. They are designed to create long term, sustainable connections with the community. They focus particularly on STEAM teaching and learning for students between 6 and 16 years old.

This Navigator offers different indicators to help you find Make it Open Learning Scenarios and Learning Units that are relevant for your context.

What

The what indicator specifies the curricular connections for the Open Schooling materials. The following options are available:

• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Citizenship
• Computer science
• Design
• Earth & space sciences
• Engineering & technology
• Geography
• Healthy lifestyle
• Language
• Life sciences
• Mathematics
• Natural science
• Physical education
• Physical sciences
• Psychology
• Science
• Social sciences

Who

The who indicator describes which persons take on teaching roles. Collaborations with people outside school maximise Open Schooling benefits. The following options are available:

Outside school

• Community member
• Expert
• Informal education facilitator
• Parent
• Policy maker

Inside school

• Teacher
• Other school personel
• School students

Where

Make it Open aims at extending the learning environment beyond the school walls. Learners engage with science in other settings such as science centres, museums, maker spaces, or in nature.

The where indicator specifies the locations where learning takes place. Locations outside school maximise Open Schooling benefits. The following options are available:

Outside school

• Academy
• Business areas
• Culture insititute
• Digital space
• Home
• Industrial areas
• Make lab
• Other formal educational places
• Outdoor spaces
• Public buildings
• Science museum/centre

Inside school

• Classroom
• Other spaces in school

With

Interacting with different actors in the community, such as local scientists, experts, and engineers, empowers students and their parents to be more engaged with their community and play a more active role in addressing the science-based challenges that affect it.

The with indicator describes opportunities for collaboration with community stakeholders. The following options are available:

• Academy
• Community services
• Families
• Industry
• Local authority
• Local businesses
• Municipality
• Other schools

Age

The material in the Navigator focusses on students aged 6-16, an age range in which children develop their identity, motivation, and interests- all of which are major factors in future educational and career choices.

Duration

Make it Open Learning Scenarios consist of 6 to 12 Learning Units. The duration indicator helps you to identify the Learning Scenarios and Learning Units that are relevant for your context. The duration of complete Learning Scenarios varies from 6 to about 26 hours. The duration of single Learning Units varies from 5 minutes to approximately 5 clock hours.

Format

Open Schooling materials offered in this Navigator are based on learning formats that seek to promote a richer, more open, learning experience. The following options are available:

• Competition
• Digital experience
• Discussion
• Drama/roleplay
• Event or festival
• Field trip
• Game
• Group work
• Hands on activity
• Individual work
• Lecture
• Physical activity
• Presentation
• Quiz
• Scientific demonstration
• Scientific/technological inquiry
• Survey
• Videos

Practices and skills

Make it Open Learning Scenarios and Learning Units are based on methodologies that impart an array of practices and skills: STEM practices, soft skills and management skills. The following options are available:

STEM practices

• Asking Questions and Defining Problems
• Developing and Using Models
• Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
• Analysing and Interpreting Data
• Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
• Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
• Engaging in Argument from Evidence
• Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

STEM practices are based on the Science and Engineering Practices in the NGSS

Soft skills

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Dealing with uncertainty
• Empathy
• Learning failure is part of learning

Management skills

• Planning
• Use of resources