Project Title
Citizen Senior Researchers - raising the competences of senior adults and incorporating them in research
and analytical activities under the label of citizen science
Call 2020 Round 1 KA2 - Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices
KA204 - Strategic Partnerships for adult education
PROJECT SUMMARY
Aging puts forward the fundamental challenge, which faces modern societies. One of crucial aspects of dealing with this phenomenon is to develop and design new ways to better utilize and develop the capacity of growing part of society consisting of older adults (65+). This goal can be achieved through effective engagement in area of science, which can lead to multiple positive ends like helping to maintain both mental and physical) well-being of older adults.
An method of achieving the above mentioned goal with the intended project is to engage senior adults using citizen science, which advances in diverse areas like: ecology, astronomy, medicine, computer science, statistics, psychology, genetics, engineering and many more. The massive collaborations that can occur through citizen science allow investigations at regional and even global scales and across decades – leading to discovery that a single scientist could never achieve on their own.
By definition in citizen science research projects participate not professional scientists. Rather, people who are curious or concerned and want to collaborate with professional scientists in ways that advance scientific research on topics they care about. Participation in research projects under the label of citizen science can play an important role in activating senior adults, particularly those who feel that they are being left behind, since they have difficulties in understanding new developments in area of science and technology, nor how those developments impact their life and how to use some of the modern technologies.
The recipients of the project will be three groups:
senior adults,
professional researchers from universities and research institution, which are of scientific expertize can utilize citizen science,
educators working with senior adults.
To achieve its goals project consortium will develop a didactic material which will contain methodology how to engage senior adults in research projects under the label of citizen science, good practices on how to increase popularity of volunteerism among older adults, curriculum path dedicated for seniors (the description of workshops and other activities designed for senior adults indicating expected learning outcomes). The project envisages the testing phase – the suggestions from the textbook will be put in the practice in the form of a workshop training for educators.
Potential longer-term project`s benefits are following: promotion of life – long learning among senior adults,
activating senior adults by participating in science research projects,
popularizing citizen science among science community in countries represented in the project.
To maximize the dissemination of projects results will be organized one multiplier event in each country represented by consortium members. Important feature of the intended project is to gather institutions from countries with different experience and achievements in the area of senior adults engagement. It will allow to develop universal solution to common challenge which is a longevity revolution. Consortium members have an extraordinary opportunity to engage senior adults with science in ways that can benefit both individuals and societies.
An method of achieving the above mentioned goal with the intended project is to engage senior adults using citizen science, which advances in diverse areas like: ecology, astronomy, medicine, computer science, statistics, psychology, genetics, engineering and many more. The massive collaborations that can occur through citizen science allow investigations at regional and even global scales and across decades – leading to discovery that a single scientist could never achieve on their own.
By definition in citizen science research projects participate not professional scientists. Rather, people who are curious or concerned and want to collaborate with professional scientists in ways that advance scientific research on topics they care about. Participation in research projects under the label of citizen science can play an important role in activating senior adults, particularly those who feel that they are being left behind, since they have difficulties in understanding new developments in area of science and technology, nor how those developments impact their life and how to use some of the modern technologies.
The recipients of the project will be three groups:
To achieve its goals project consortium will develop a didactic material which will contain methodology how to engage senior adults in research projects under the label of citizen science, good practices on how to increase popularity of volunteerism among older adults, curriculum path dedicated for seniors (the description of workshops and other activities designed for senior adults indicating expected learning outcomes). The project envisages the testing phase – the suggestions from the textbook will be put in the practice in the form of a workshop training for educators.
Potential longer-term project`s benefits are following:
To maximize the dissemination of projects results will be organized one multiplier event in each country represented by consortium members. Important feature of the intended project is to gather institutions from countries with different experience and achievements in the area of senior adults engagement. It will allow to develop universal solution to common challenge which is a longevity revolution. Consortium members have an extraordinary opportunity to engage senior adults with science in ways that can benefit both individuals and societies.
PARTNERS
PROJECT LEADER
Innovation Center Mill of Knowledge (ICMK) is the first and so far the only science center in Kuyavian – Pomeranian Voivodship. Since 2013 the applicant was visited by over 800,000 visitors discovering scientific wonders through fun and hands – on experience. The mission of the Innovation Cent re Mill of Knowledge is to: – introduce diverse group of recipients (in terms of age and knowledge) into the world of science and technology – popularize achievements in the area of science and technological progress – arouse visitors curiosity by allowing them to find the answers on their own – show importance of modern science and technology in everyday life – support implementation of modern didactic methods by educational institutions.
The programme of the Center contains exhibitions, popular scientific shows, laboratory classes, lectures, conferences and mass events. On 6 floors (combined size of 5 thousands square meters) are located 10 permanent and temporary exhibition with interactive stands as well as specialized laboratories to conduct workshops (physical, biological, IT). The exposition space is centered around the 33 meters long Foucault’s Pendulum. Permanent expositions are composed of more than hundred interactive stands organized in three main thematic sections: Circular Motion, River and Ideas; as well as temporary exhibitions and spaces dedicated to children – imagination playground.
In December 2019 ICMK opened new space named Center of Innovative Education, which offers new possibilities to perform activities for adults. In addition to the „Paths of adolescence” exhibition, modular rooms have been created, with the possibility of temporary modification for workshop, demonstration, training or conference spaces. The ICMK visitors will not only be able to visit the exhibition or take part in cultural and educational workshops, but also participate in meetings, discussions, shows and other cultural events organized also in the evening like (Medical Wednesdays and Tuesdays with Psychology).
ICMK organized two edition of popular science event dedicated to senior adults. Dissemination of knowledge about healthy lifestyles, medicine and educational, cultural and social activation of seniors – these are the main objectives of the „Fajf for seniors”.
Innovation Center Mill of Knowledge (ICMK) is the first and so far the only science center in Kuyavian – Pomeranian Voivodship. Since 2013 the applicant was visited by over 800,000 visitors discovering scientific wonders through fun and hands – on experience. The mission of the Innovation Cent re Mill of Knowledge is to: – introduce diverse group of recipients (in terms of age and knowledge) into the world of science and technology – popularize achievements in the area of science and technological progress – arouse visitors curiosity by allowing them to find the answers on their own – show importance of modern science and technology in everyday life – support implementation of modern didactic methods by educational institutions.
The programme of the Center contains exhibitions, popular scientific shows, laboratory classes, lectures, conferences and mass events. On 6 floors (combined size of 5 thousands square meters) are located 10 permanent and temporary exhibition with interactive stands as well as specialized laboratories to conduct workshops (physical, biological, IT). The exposition space is centered around the 33 meters long Foucault’s Pendulum. Permanent expositions are composed of more than hundred interactive stands organized in three main thematic sections: Circular Motion, River and Ideas; as well as temporary exhibitions and spaces dedicated to children – imagination playground.
In December 2019 ICMK opened new space named Center of Innovative Education, which offers new possibilities to perform activities for adults. In addition to the „Paths of adolescence” exhibition, modular rooms have been created, with the possibility of temporary modification for workshop, demonstration, training or conference spaces. The ICMK visitors will not only be able to visit the exhibition or take part in cultural and educational workshops, but also participate in meetings, discussions, shows and other cultural events organized also in the evening like (Medical Wednesdays and Tuesdays with Psychology).
ICMK organized two edition of popular science event dedicated to senior adults. Dissemination of knowledge about healthy lifestyles, medicine and educational, cultural and social activation of seniors – these are the main objectives of the „Fajf for seniors”.
Právě teď! o.p.s. is nonprofit organization based in Prague, founded in 2012. Organization is dedicated to so-called active seniors, those who apparently do not need anything. But „seemingly nothing” is very important given the fact that our population is aging, is experiencing an increasing age, but quite often it does not have fulfillment, meaning or purpose.
Právě teď! o.p.s. organize educational, physical and social activities for them. The largest educational project is the Academy of Modern Seniors, which reflects the current needs of seniors: physical activities such as nordic walking, physical exercises, molkky, swimming and much more.
In 2017 Právě teď has set up a Community centre in Prague 8 which provides all kind of different activities for seniors ranging from sport activities to educational ones including: memory training, first aid courses, IT courses and consultancy, sport sessions, lessons about healthy lifestyles, intergenerational activities, consultancy in the area of consumer law, in the area of social services, cultural activities and language courses.
Právě teď! o.p.s. is part of several local and international projects. In the team of Právě teď there are specialised in organizing courses for adult learners aged 50+ mainly in cooperation with municipalities or municipal districts.
Právě teď! o.p.s. organize educational, physical and social activities for them. The largest educational project is the Academy of Modern Seniors, which reflects the current needs of seniors: physical activities such as nordic walking, physical exercises, molkky, swimming and much more.
In 2017 Právě teď has set up a Community centre in Prague 8 which provides all kind of different activities for seniors ranging from sport activities to educational ones including: memory training, first aid courses, IT courses and consultancy, sport sessions, lessons about healthy lifestyles, intergenerational activities, consultancy in the area of consumer law, in the area of social services, cultural activities and language courses.
Právě teď! o.p.s. is part of several local and international projects. In the team of Právě teď there are specialised in organizing courses for adult learners aged 50+ mainly in cooperation with municipalities or municipal districts.
Regionalna Inicjatywa Sportowo-Edukacyjna (Regional Initiative for Sport & Education, or RISE), formed in September 2018, is a Polish non-governmental organisation with the status of a foundation. The RISE’s team consists of 5 core staff workers and some experts (professionals and academic teachers).
The persons involved in the work of the Foundation specialize in: sociology, IT, philology, education, development of applications, sports, film and photography, cooking and diet. The number of paid staff depends on the number and on the structure of projects.
The main objectives of the Foundation are: (1) to encourage innovative forms of education and use of new technologies in education, (2) to promote healthy life, balanced diet and sport activity, (3) action to local communities.
The persons involved in the work of the Foundation specialize in: sociology, IT, philology, education, development of applications, sports, film and photography, cooking and diet. The number of paid staff depends on the number and on the structure of projects.
The main objectives of the Foundation are: (1) to encourage innovative forms of education and use of new technologies in education, (2) to promote healthy life, balanced diet and sport activity, (3) action to local communities.
The Centre for Research and Analysis (CRA) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization performing public services in the field of the education and science. The mission of CRA is to analyse the present and the prospects of the Bulgarian education and science, to create a network of educational institutions and research teams and through participation in joint national and international projects to work on integration into the European research and education area.
CRA maintains contacts with national and international universities, research centres and organizations in the field of education, science and innovation. CRA is partnering with various government agencies for the implementation of national and international projects and with some European networks such as South- East Europe Science Program (SEE Science), The European Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite), Enterprise European Network and OBSERVAL-Net.
CRA is a non-profit NGO with 15 years of experience in participating or running science promotion and communication projects, initiatives and events, including training citizens of all ages (senior adults including) in many forms of education & research activities. CRA has built an efficient network of national and international universities, research institutes, public bodies, businesses and associations, NGOs, in the field of education, science and innovations.
CRA is partnering as well with various government agencies, with European networks such as South- East Europe Science Centres (SEE Science), The European Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite), OBSERVAL-Net and Euraxess. The joint activities in national & European projects are focused on cutting-edge technologies & their presentation to the citizens, encouraging participation in research activities and discussions on research impact.
CRA maintains contacts with national and international universities, research centres and organizations in the field of education, science and innovation. CRA is partnering with various government agencies for the implementation of national and international projects and with some European networks such as South- East Europe Science Program (SEE Science), The European Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite), Enterprise European Network and OBSERVAL-Net.
CRA is a non-profit NGO with 15 years of experience in participating or running science promotion and communication projects, initiatives and events, including training citizens of all ages (senior adults including) in many forms of education & research activities. CRA has built an efficient network of national and international universities, research institutes, public bodies, businesses and associations, NGOs, in the field of education, science and innovations.
CRA is partnering as well with various government agencies, with European networks such as South- East Europe Science Centres (SEE Science), The European Network of Science Centres and Museums (Ecsite), OBSERVAL-Net and Euraxess. The joint activities in national & European projects are focused on cutting-edge technologies & their presentation to the citizens, encouraging participation in research activities and discussions on research impact.
Adult Education Centre Ljudska univerza Kranj is a non-profit organization located in the NW part of Slovenia, funded by the local government. At the moment our Centre has a permanent staff of 12 regular employees, about 150 freelance trainers who are coming from different fields and about 30 volunters.
Each year 1500 – 1800 participants take part in our programms, trainings and other activities. Ljudska univerza Kranj is the leading training institution in Kranj (urban) and its surroundings (suburban). Our main activities are focused to planning and implementation of courses, trainings and learning events within the field of predominantly employee-oriented vocational training and development and adult education. Our main spheres of activities are adult vocational training (primary school for adults, different secondary school programmes), language training (different types of language courses), functional and in service training (ICT, communication, team work, entrepreneurship, literacy), programme for seniors and intergenerational learning.
Our organization undertakes activities on issues related to adult literacy, empowering people by developing their skills to better match labour supply and demand. We collaborate with business and develop and implement trainings required by employers. Adult Education Centre Ljudska univerza Kranj has extensive experiences of pedagogic development in language teaching, ICT, informal education; it has unique competences in both methodology development as well as production of practical solutions matching specific vocational and professional development needs.
Our developing work is carried out as a teamwork of our teachers, trainers and expert workers. Through the time we have successfully worked in different national projects in the spheres of education, vocational training, literacy, dissemination, partnership and others. Our experienced staff includes trainers and teachers, managers and IT specialists. As a partner in a Grundtvig project »Prejudice as a Path« we focused on prejudice of participants from different countries and developed activities to reduce their influence. We work with different target groups: early school leavers, persons, who are because of low or inappropriate qualification endangered to get unemployed, persons, who want to retrain, unemployed persons and persons from other social discriminated groups, women, seniors, rural population and business. In the past we established stronger contacts with rural population and contributed to the development of the rural areas. We strive to »rescue« knowledge and skills of elderly which for intergenerational gap threaten to disappear. We also offer new contents for courses that attract people from our surrounding.
Each year 1500 – 1800 participants take part in our programms, trainings and other activities. Ljudska univerza Kranj is the leading training institution in Kranj (urban) and its surroundings (suburban). Our main activities are focused to planning and implementation of courses, trainings and learning events within the field of predominantly employee-oriented vocational training and development and adult education. Our main spheres of activities are adult vocational training (primary school for adults, different secondary school programmes), language training (different types of language courses), functional and in service training (ICT, communication, team work, entrepreneurship, literacy), programme for seniors and intergenerational learning.
Our organization undertakes activities on issues related to adult literacy, empowering people by developing their skills to better match labour supply and demand. We collaborate with business and develop and implement trainings required by employers. Adult Education Centre Ljudska univerza Kranj has extensive experiences of pedagogic development in language teaching, ICT, informal education; it has unique competences in both methodology development as well as production of practical solutions matching specific vocational and professional development needs.
Our developing work is carried out as a teamwork of our teachers, trainers and expert workers. Through the time we have successfully worked in different national projects in the spheres of education, vocational training, literacy, dissemination, partnership and others. Our experienced staff includes trainers and teachers, managers and IT specialists. As a partner in a Grundtvig project »Prejudice as a Path« we focused on prejudice of participants from different countries and developed activities to reduce their influence. We work with different target groups: early school leavers, persons, who are because of low or inappropriate qualification endangered to get unemployed, persons, who want to retrain, unemployed persons and persons from other social discriminated groups, women, seniors, rural population and business. In the past we established stronger contacts with rural population and contributed to the development of the rural areas. We strive to »rescue« knowledge and skills of elderly which for intergenerational gap threaten to disappear. We also offer new contents for courses that attract people from our surrounding.
PROJECT RESULTS
The aim of the project was to increase the competences of the elderly people and to include them in research-analitical activities. The aim has been achieved through engaging the elderly society in researching projects carried out as citizen science. Both the researchers and educators of the elderly have been equipped in knowledge and tools necessary to carry out activites for the senior citizens.
The realization of the project allowed for formulating and designing new means of using and delevoping the potential of the still increasing part of society, which consists of elderly people (65+). This aim has been achieved through efficient engagement of the elderly people in the area of science which had a positive effect on their psychological and physical wellbeing.
A tool has been created that allowed to sum up the methods of educating the elderly and their needs as to upkeep their psychological and physical wellbeing, based on a survey carried out on a group of 196 elderly people. 3 international meetings and 8 workshop meetings were carried out that were directed towards the elderly people and the representatives of the elderly environment.
Consortium members have prepared workshop materials containing: methodology how to activate senior adults with citizen science, good practices, scenarios of activities with older adults, curriculum path dedicated for seniors (the curriculum will containing description of workshops and other activities designed for senior adults indicating expected learning outcomes).
The education material contains materials consisting of two layers: a) first layer – workshop scenarios to teach members of scientific community and senior adults educators on how to organize and conduct citizen science projects with senior adults as a researcher; b) second layer – workshop material for senior adults to be used by researches and senior adults educators to equip seniors with necessary knowledge and tools to participate in the citizen science research project.
The contents of the workshop scenarios are focused on the following issues: a) specifics, assets and potential of elderly people as researchers; b) the importance of citizen science for both senior researchers and general public; c) methods and tools for preparing seniors to play the role of researchers, e) case studies/success stories from partner countries.
The realization of the project allowed for formulating and designing new means of using and delevoping the potential of the still increasing part of society, which consists of elderly people (65+). This aim has been achieved through efficient engagement of the elderly people in the area of science which had a positive effect on their psychological and physical wellbeing.
A tool has been created that allowed to sum up the methods of educating the elderly and their needs as to upkeep their psychological and physical wellbeing, based on a survey carried out on a group of 196 elderly people. 3 international meetings and 8 workshop meetings were carried out that were directed towards the elderly people and the representatives of the elderly environment.
Consortium members have prepared workshop materials containing: methodology how to activate senior adults with citizen science, good practices, scenarios of activities with older adults, curriculum path dedicated for seniors (the curriculum will containing description of workshops and other activities designed for senior adults indicating expected learning outcomes).
The education material contains materials consisting of two layers: a) first layer – workshop scenarios to teach members of scientific community and senior adults educators on how to organize and conduct citizen science projects with senior adults as a researcher; b) second layer – workshop material for senior adults to be used by researches and senior adults educators to equip seniors with necessary knowledge and tools to participate in the citizen science research project.
The contents of the workshop scenarios are focused on the following issues: a) specifics, assets and potential of elderly people as researchers; b) the importance of citizen science for both senior researchers and general public; c) methods and tools for preparing seniors to play the role of researchers, e) case studies/success stories from partner countries.
MATERIALS
Analyzes/research/materials for educators
WORKSHOP SCENARIOS
CNMW: Trees in the city and the health of inhabitants. How seniors can explore the relationship between greenery in the city and threats to the health of inhabitants?
RISE: Health on a fork. Senior Citizen Researchers study eating habits.
Centre for Research and Analysis (CRA): How to support young research generation
Právě teď! o.p.s.: Modern forms of plant and vegetable cultivation: permaculture in practice
Ljudska univerza Kranj (LUK): How to motivate seniors to become involved into citizen research projects? | Characteristics of seniors and the environment they live in
RISE: Health on a fork. Senior Citizen Researchers study eating habits.
Centre for Research and Analysis (CRA): How to support young research generation
Právě teď! o.p.s.: Modern forms of plant and vegetable cultivation: permaculture in practice
Ljudska univerza Kranj (LUK): How to motivate seniors to become involved into citizen research projects? | Characteristics of seniors and the environment they live in
Projekt realizowany w ramach Programu ERASMUS+. Projekt z wieloma beneficjentami Programu ERASMUS+.
Numer umowy: 2020-1-PL01-KA204-082259. Numer projektu: 2020-1-PL01-KA204-082259.
Beneficjent/koordynator: Centrum Nowoczesności Młyn Wiedzy.
Kwota dofinansowania: 75 640 euro
Numer umowy: 2020-1-PL01-KA204-082259. Numer projektu: 2020-1-PL01-KA204-082259.
Beneficjent/koordynator: Centrum Nowoczesności Młyn Wiedzy.
Kwota dofinansowania: 75 640 euro