According to the aims of the BRAIN project, we are sharing the research results on educational methodologies encouraging the understanding of sciences of the target group – elderly citizens. The results are communicated to scientific researchers relaying understanding and knowledge to engage this age group and facilitate their active participation.
The research suggests that the use of STEM is appropriate for elderly because it is one of the most cognitively stimulating and intellectually challenging domains. This experience is further enhanced by face-to-face interaction with qualified researchers and educators because it helps the assimilation of complex topics coupled with the social factor of interaction.
On the other hand, educators get the chance to connect with the target group and improve on delivering engaging activities, further driving their professional skills. For the benefit of all parties involved in the learning process, all topics should be delivered in context that enhances understanding and sparks constructive discussions.
For these reasons, the tangible results of the project are considering a number factors indicated throughout the research process:
- The quality of STEM education depends on different tools and methods. Teaching with modern technology, offering an online research environment, using immersive and interactive ways to enhance learning are all useful in the context of sciences.
- The production of learning games require adaptation to users’ abilities and limitations
- The games’ objectives should be easy to understand and solvable at the moment of encountering as to not cause disengagement with the topic
- To ensure retention of learning and engagement, research suggests any activities should take place over at least ten sessions in a group format and preferably over the long-term.
The BRAIN project has progressed on delivering its aims as it is currently working on a mobile application with interactive games for elderly citizens. This will feed into the bigger impact of the project that counteracts the tendencies of isolation and lack of social participation of elderly.
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