Strengthening links between secondary schools and universities: the case of Utrecht University

Strengthening links between secondary schools and universities: the case of Utrecht University

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  Strengthening links betweensecondary schools and universities: the case of Utrecht University Harrie Eijkelhof Faculty of Science Utrecht University
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  Outline Utrecht University& Faculty of Science Links before 2003 Faculty policy towards links with schools Links after 2003 Conclusions
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  Location of Utrecht
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  Utrecht University Founded in 1636 Broad university with seven faculties Medicine Veterinary Arts Social Science Law and Economics Earth Science Science 29 000 students (bachelor and master) 7 000 staf members www.uu.nl
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  Faculty of Science Six departments Physics and Astronomy Chemistry Biology Mathematics Farmaceutical Science Computer Science Seven bachelor programmes (2700 students) 35 Master programmes (1200 students) 15 Research Institutes www.science.uu.nl
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  Links faculty-schools before2003 Chairs in physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology education Thirty years of curriculum development in mathematics and physics Outreach of laboratory experiments in chemistry and physics (mobile and at campus) Organisation of national two-day conferences for teachers Masterprogrammes Teacher training Communication and informal education Research and curriculum development
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  Faculty policy towardssecondary and bachelor education Increase the quantity and quality of bachelor students Improve the quality of bachelor education Contribute to high quality science and mathematics education at secondary school level: Curricula Professional development of teachers Increase the number of secondary teachers in science and mathematics
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  New initiatives since2003 Junior College Utrecht
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  Junior College UtrechtCooperation between Faculty of Science and 26 schools in the Utrecht region Involves 100 students per year All science and math subjects taught at university (for two years, two days/week) Regular curriculum Chem, Bio, Math, Phys and much more additional topics participation in competitions research in university groups excursion to CERN School teachers and university staff involved
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  Outreach Activities JCUNew modules first taught in College by experts Revised version trialled in partner schools Final version available for all schools in NL Professional development activities for teachers of partner schools Some modules will be taught at the university for a larger number of other students from partner schools
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  Examples of JCU modules Ice and climate Geoscience Complex currents Molecules in life Life cycle of stars Dynamic modelling Diophantic equations Particle physics http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v =SEju70HOYQY
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  Main Experiences JCUMost students get excited by Junior College and start to make a real effort (so far usually not their habit) Students become more independent thinkers and gain a great deal of confidence College study climate very important: mutually stimulating 85% opt for a science and technology study (50% at UU, rest elsewhere) Schools incorporate JCU materials and experiences (if not: end of partnership)
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  New initiatives since2003 Junior College Utrecht Participation in curriculum development in physics, chemistry, biology, math, NLT
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  NLT (Advanced SMT)Aims: challenging science oriented students (age 16-18) showing current developments in science and technology in outside world offering view on science and technology careers Contributions from a variety of disciplines: Phys, Chem, Bio, Math, Comp Sc, Earth Sc To be taught by a team of teachers with a variety of backgrounds 60 modules developed by mixed teams e.g. JCU-modules www.betavak-nlt.nl
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  New initiatives since2003 Junior College Utrecht Participation in curriculum development in physics, chemistry, biology, math, NLT Participation in a national PhD-programme for 20 science and math school teachers DUDOC Masterclasses for pupils and teachers 30 students as school assistants Regional support centre for school teachers International summer school on science and math education research 17-21 August 2009
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  Future of linkingschools - universities Activities should be beneficial for all parties:
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  Future of linkingschools - universities Activities should be beneficial for all parties: School teachers remain up to date in their subject School curricula will become more dynamic
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  Future of linkingschools - universities Activities should be beneficial for all parties: School teachers remain up to date in their subject School curricula will become more dynamic Pupils are challenged by experiences at university Pupils are better prepared for higher education
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  Future of linkingschools - universities Activities should be beneficial for all parties: School teachers remain up to date in their subject School curricula will become more dynamic Pupils are challenged by experiences at university Pupils are better prepared for higher education University staff remains up-to date on school teaching University staff could show enthusiasm for their fields University staff could learn from experienced school teachers
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  Future of linkingschools - universities Activities should be beneficial for all parties: School teachers remain up to date in their subject School curricula will become more dynamic Pupils are challenged by experiences at university Pupils are better prepared for higher education University staff remains up-to date on school teaching University staff could show enthusiasm for their fields University staff could learn from experienced school teachers University students could participate in innovative teaching at schools University students could consider to teach in schools
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  Future of linkingschools - universities Activities should be beneficial for all parties: School teachers remain up to date in their subject School curricula will become more dynamic Pupils are challenged by experiences at university Pupils are better prepared for higher education University staff remains up-to date on school teaching University staff could show enthusiasm for their fields University staff could learn from experienced school teachers University students could participate in innovative teaching at schools University students could consider to teach in schools Innovations in education depend on collaboration
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  Learning from eachother National exchange promoted by Platform
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  Learning from eachother National exchange promoted by Platform European exchange would be fruitful as we face common challenges
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  Learning from eachother National exchange promoted by Platform European exchange would be fruitful as we face common challenges As we live in a common world we should share experiences across the globe
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  Learning from eachother National exchange promoted by Platform European exchange would be fruitful as we face common challenges As we live in a common world we should share experiences across the globe This meeting should facilitate the start of new exchanges Let us face our common future together