Measures envisaged by the Educated Romania Project towards promoting STEM education
About this good practice
Even though there are successful initiatives and programs in Romania that promote STEM education (e.g. robotics competitions and science projects) a sustained effort is needed to modernise the curriculum and teaching methods.
In this context, the Educated Romania foresees relevant measures to promote STEM:
1. Introducing a significant percentage of STEM-related activities into the school curriculum
2. Promoting STEM approaches in the teaching activities
3. Professionalization of teachers who teach STEM subjects, focusing on personalized learning, inquiry-based science education (IBSE) and Project Based Learning
4. Modernization of robotics and informatics labs, along with ensuring adequate digital equipment and internet connectivity in classrooms
5. Ensuring the necessary infrastructure, technology and resources for the educational process in STEAM fields
6. Development of a national program and local grant programs for teachers/educational units that wish to carry out activities for the development of STEAM fields.
Through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), financing is granted for the implementation of measures no. 5 and 6 from the Educated Romania Project. Moreover, funds are allocated for the endowment of STEM laboratories entitled "Science laboratories", "Clever Classrooms", "Smart Education Labs 4.0" with teaching materials, technological equipment and software.
Beneficiaries: educational units, teachers, students, civil society.
Resources needed
The financial support of the reforms proposed in the Educated Romania is represented by allocations from the state budget and European funds, alongside PNRR - through Pillar 6. Policies for the next generation, Component 15. Education. The total allocated budget from PNRR: 3.52 billion Euros.
Evidence of success
The operationalisation of the Educated Romania Project came with positive results in the education system, namely the implementation of new education laws – School Education Law 198/2023 and Higher Education Law 199/2023. These education laws foresee measures designed to improve the quality of education and ensure equal access to education, as well as to promote programmes supporting the study of science, engineering and mathematics.
Potential for learning or transfer
STEM education plays a crucial role in preparing the young generation for the economic and technological challenges of the future. Encouraging young people to engage in STEM subjects is a cornerstone for building a skilled and innovative workforce, which is essential for societal progress.
The Educated Romania Project, with its comprehensive and innovative measures for enhancing STEM education, holds significant potential to act as a model for addressing educational disparities in other European regions. Its framework can inspire tailored strategies in countries facing similar challenges, such as outdated curricula, unequal access to resources, lack of STEM training for teachers, and insufficient STEM engagement.
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