Evaluation of the impact of the Children Challenging Industry programme 2021 to 2022

Benavides Lahnstein, Ana and Parvin, Joy (2023) Evaluation of the impact of the Children Challenging Industry programme 2021 to 2022. In: Children Challenging Industry: Evaluation Report 2021-2022. Project Report. University of York, York. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Since 1996, the Children Challenging Industry (CCI) programme, led by the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), has combined the expert knowledge of primary education specialists and STEM professionals (CCI ambassadors) in an effort to promote meaningful engagement with science and STEM careers through a professional development programme. The CCI advisory teachers, the CCI ambassadors, and the classroom teachers collaborate to deliver practical problem-solving activities inspired by industry stories. Children meet scientists and engineers in their workplaces, learn about their roles in industry, and present the results from their investigations to them. The 2021-2022 evaluation report shows that the collaboration between the CCI advisory teachers, CCI ambassadors, and classroom teachers produced a positive and innovative learning experience for children. Children enjoyed the practical science activities, engaged in new learning opportunities and held more informed attitudes towards industry after participation. The direct experiences with real-life STEM professionals raised children’s aspirations to work in industry or become scientists in the future. The teachers also successfully engaged with CCI’s professional development and had an overwhelmingly positive outlook on the programme. Their increased confidence levels in science teaching is a crucial finding that indicates the programme is meeting its goals. The plans and actions of teachers to reengage with or expand CCI indicate that the programme can influence beyond its initial phase and has the potential for significant expansion.