International projects
Tinkering Addressing the Adults
This is the third EU Tinkering project and is specifically aimed at adults. The project aims to foster the socio-educational and personal development of adults, as well as their participation in civic and social life, focusing on the following priorities: stronger science engagement, need for 21st Century skills and low Science Capital.
In this project we will partner with community sector leaders already working with the project’s target adult groups. Working with these community partners, we aim to both learn from and support existing community sector practice, encouraging exchange of knowledge and expertise between the community development and informal learning sectors. We aim to work with community partners to co-develop adult learning opportunities using Tinkering methodology.
Tinkering activities are hands-on: participants are invited to play and create with tools and inspiring materials. The activities, materials and facilitation lead to an exciting learning experience. Creativity, problem-solving abilities and personal input of the participant is important. Tinkering encourages the participant to pursue their own project, idea or personal goal that corresponds to their own experiences and interests. The making and learning process is more important than the result.
Publications
The publications below were created within the project.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF ADULT PARTICIPATION
This document outlines the potential of Tinkering for supporting more equitable lifelong learning in STEM in relation to:
- Tinkering as a pedagogical approach
- Equity and inclusion in STEM
- Creating more inclusive STEM adult education and learning opportunities for underserved adult audiences
ADULT LEARNING THROUGH TINKERING
This document is aimed primarily at Informal Learning (IFL) educators working with adult learners from disadvantaged and underserved communities, who wish to:
- Exploit the inclusive nature of Tinkering to create engaging and relevant STEM learning experiences for adult learners and their families
- Better understand how and why collaboration and co-design with community organisations can help develop more inclusive programming in STEM learning for adults.
It can also serve as a useful reference for community leaders and adult educators wishing to collaborate with the IFL sector to explore the use of Tinkering with the adult groups that they serve.
TINKERING ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
Tinkering resources that can be used by informal learning practitioners working with adult groups. Some of the activities are newly developed, others are already existing activities that were adjusted. Special focus was given to activities suitable for adults from different backgrounds, taking into account different needs, interests and motivations.
EXPLORING TINKERING WITH ADULT LEARNERS: WHAT WE LEARNED
In this final publication we examine what knowledge and expertise we gained from working with local communities. You will find reflections of all partners on the Tinkering methodology and creating processes of Tinkering activities.
For more information on the project, visit the project website.
Tinkering
The Tinkering project is part of the Erasmus+ program. Erasmus+ is the EU-program for education, schooling, youth and sports in Europe.