Tallinn University, in the context of the doctoral thesis of Marge Kusmin, provides know-how to 19 schools on the implementation of sensor sets for turning their “dumb” school house into a smart one. Using these sets in teaching and learning raises students’ interest towards technology, related knowledge and solving real life problems, thus making learning STEM subjects more engaging and down-to-earth.
 
Teachers encourage students to find solutions to real life problems and to create interactive lesson materials through practice. Workshops for exchanging experience about supporting students in inquiry based learning take place twice a year in order to ensure the meeting of learning goals and the quality of teaching materials.
 
A graduate student of Valga Gymnasium says that trusting students with the responsibility that accompanies inquiry based learning will increase learning motivation: “If at least one subject a day uses inquiry based learning methods then it will provide enough motivation for going cheerfully to school. This makes my day!”
 
Tallinn University assists schools in creating learning scenarios and helps to promote the “Smart School House” community.
 
Contact: Marge Kusmin, margek@tlu.ee