RoboSTEAM4ALL: Supporting teachers’ professional development for inclusive teaching and learning of STEAM and Robotics skills for children with intellectual and learning difficulties

<< Background >>In both Bulgaria and Cyprus, STEAM integration into mainstream and special education remained a significant challenge, particularly when addressing the needs of students with SEN. A major gap that had been identified was the lack of adapted methodologies and educational resources.There was also a serious shortage of educational software, digital tools, robotics games tailored to SEN learners, an innovative approach which required specialized trainings.There was a clear need for adapted tools, digital content, and accessible activities that allow full participation of SEN students. While some schools had begun piloting programs and offering extracurricular activities, the overall implementation remained limited. The project supported the development of innovative practices and helped equip teachers with the skills and resources needed to make Robotics and STEAM education more inclusive.It offered an opportunity for teachers and parents to enhance their knowledge and skills by specialized training and access to good practices and accessible activities that motivated students and helped them build important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. << Objectives >>The main goal wasto encourage inclusive STEAM education by developing methodologies and resources tailored to the needs of students with SEN.One of the key achievements was the organization of training for teachers working with students with SEN. Introducing children to STEAM and robotics is an innovative approach opening new opportunities for teachers to engage students in a meaningful and stimulating way.Teachers working with children with SEN participated in specialized training, which gave them the opportunity to learn basic techniques for coding and controlling the Edison 3 robot and how to apply this to children with SEN.Supports the active participation of students in practical STEAM and robotic activities through new methods that include interaction, the development of thinking, mathematical skills and teamwork. In practice, resource teachers have implemented robotics classes for children, including those with autism, for the first time.The project also involved parents, who had the opportunity to learn about what their children were doing at school, participate in experiments together, and discover how the work was used in real life. This shared experience encouraged collaboration between children and their parents.<< Implementation >>The project was based on an initial research of the available online and offline STEAM and Robotics resources. As a result, an online map was developed, presenting the identified resources and the institutions that provide them.An e-book with a STEAM and Robotics glossary was created, containing terms intended for use in school lessons and classroom activities.The core activity focused on the development of a professional development course for teachers. The programme is structured into three modules – beginner, intermediate, and advanced витх 10 topics.A training course for parents was also developed, enabling them to learn together with their children, simple STEAM and Robotics activities through play, thus providing comprehensive support for children both at home and in the educational environment.Based on the programme lessons were created for children aged 5 to 12, which were implemented by teachers during the final stage of the project.The RoboSTEAM4All platform integrates all project outputs and facilitates online training for teachers and parents.Through the RoboSTEAM4All programme, 40 teachers and 20 parents were trained to apply innovative methods that encourage logical thinking, mathematical skills.<< Results >>A professional development course for teachers in three modules (primary, secondary, advanced), each with three topics, aimed at primary school teachers and special educators.Adapted training course for parents to support learning through play at home with simple tasks related to STEAM and robotics.Educational lessons for children aged 5 to 12 based on the RoboSTEAM4All program developed by the project.An online platform RoboSTEAM4All, where all the project products and a training tool for teachers and parents are implemented.As a result of the developed materials and the training conducted, teachers and parents increased their knowledge and skills in applying innovative and engaging methods that encourage interaction, develop logical thinking, mathematical skills and teamwork in children.Increased knowledge and skills of teachers, parents and children in the field of STEAM and robotics.Involving children with SEN in Robotics activities increased their interest in learning in STEAM areas. This is an extremely innovative and new approach that gives children another opportunity to develop their thinking and communication.Sustainable resources and tools created for long-term use after the project is completed.