SCIENCE COMMUNICATION TO ENHANCE INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Over the past decade, the younger generation has been observed to show a diminishing interest for education in science and technology. On the labour market, however, the demand for qualified employees is great.

In this respect, the Flemish Government requires that institutions offering academic education in science and technology display initiatives to attract more students to scientific and technological education programmes.

The Antwerp Maritime Academy develops, complementary to initiatives by other higher education institutions in Flanders, diverse actions to increase the interest in science and technology. Among these are:
• a workshop with 16-18 year-olds in which a small hovercraft is constructed and tested,
• a training session about survival and safety at sea in which regulation concerning safety at sea is explained, the design of life (rescue) boats is explained and survival suits (immersion suits) are tried out
• nautical activity days at the Antwerp Port Centre where training is offered on inland shipping and sea navigation simulators
• a clarifying session in which Archimedes Law is illustrated by means of a submarine and its functioning

The international audience at the EDULEARN 2011 conference will be able to share findings and achievements in all initiatives. Their remarks might reflect own good practices and may induce international cooperation among participants. In the near future, it all may result in an international approach to increasing young people’s interest in science and technology education.