What abilities and knowledge do children need for a livable future, and how do we support them as they gain these skills? This is the question guiding the “International Dialogue on STEM (IDoS)”, hosted by the “Haus der kleinen Forscher” (Little Scientists’ House) Foundation and Siemens Stiftung on 2 and 3 November in Berlin. Nearly one hundred international experts from education, science, politics, and the public sphere will discuss their perspectives on future-oriented early education. The hosts are proud to welcome prominent speakers, including Dr. Auma Obama, founder and managing director of the Saui Kuu Foundation, and Dr. Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director of Education.
STEM education is more than science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
Global challenges demand interdisciplinary solutions and comprehensive skill development. The conference, which takes places under the patronage of the German Commission for UNESCO, raises questions about the content and pedagogy of early education, its robustness for the future, and the role of STEM education. Participants will discuss the suitability of STEM education to promote the future-oriented abilities of children, such as problem-solving skills, teamwork, self-confidence, taking responsibilities for their actions, and much more. The conference makes a conscious effort to expand upon the meaning of the term STEM by incorporating aspects of sustainability, language, and value education, along with the arts and creativity.
Starting an international exchange
The event on 2 and 3 November represents the first in a series of conferences occurring every two years put on by the Haus der kleinen Forscher Foundation and Siemens Stiftung. The newly-established, global forum seeks to strengthen the international exchange between research and practical implementation when it comes to early STEM education, best practices, and quality assurance. The resulting proposals and recommendations will contribute to effective educational and political strategies for developing future-oriented early STEM education.