Focus group with pre-service teachers, in-service teachers and out-of-school facilitators have been conducted in Barcelona

Between January 27th and February 12th, 2024, the UAB team conducted two focus groups with pre-service teachers, in-service teachers, and out-of-school facilitators. In most cases, the participants were specialist in early childhood education, a stage often overlooked in out-of-school STEM activities.

During these focus groups, participants identified and shared relevant examples of STEM out-of-school activities they considered highly suitable. Additionally, they reflected on, and discussed the key competencies and skills that both students and facilitators should develop before, during, and after these activities to ensure their effectiveness.

All emerging ideas from both focus groups, including considerations for ensuring the adequacy of out-of-school STEM activities, strategies for enhancing inclusivity, and participants’ own perceptions of their skills to develop such activities, have been summarized. These ideas will become a good starting point for the future design of the Up-sTEAm project.