STEP Into Learning Network
Purpose
The purpose of the STEP into Learning Network (“Network”) is to bridge the gap in Early Childhood Education (ECE) between research and practice focused on inquiry-oriented Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) that emphasizes learning through problem-solving, tinkering, exploring, and play. The Network will bring ECE researchers, educators, universities, schools, and other community partners together to collaborate and support research and professional learning. The Network prioritizes the research process to inform the development of high-quality professional learning based on established best-practices as well as innovative evidence-based practices to support young children, teachers, and families.
Vision
Our vision is to be a vital knowledge collective that leverages the experiences, expertise and resources of the Network to advance the field of ECE through integrated STEAM learning through creative and collaborative problem-solving, tinkering, exploring, and play.
Rationale
The STEP into Learning Network was developed out of a partnership between the College of Education and Human Services, the UNF STEP lab and the UNF Preschool to address the need for high quality research on innovative practices and approaches to STEAM learning. Research in early childhood education is intended to translate into high-quality teaching strategies, yet there is a persistent gap and critical delay in the implementation of evidence-based findings into the day-to-day practices of practitioners and caregivers (Lake & Winterbottom, 2010). Through strong partnerships between researchers and practitioners we can effectively study how to improve young children's opportunities to engage in STEAM through playful pedagogy and everyday routines and activities.
Mission
In alignment with the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, the mission of the STEP into Learning Network is to facilitate vital and vibrant collaboration to advance the field of early childhood education through applied research and professional development that fosters and supports young children's learning through problem-solving, tinkering, exploration, and play.
We will be an unbounded, collaborative and connected learning community. This community will become a champion and beacon for our values devoted to excellence, justice, diversity, innovation and internationalization. This community will lead the world in teaching, research and service that holistically advances the human potential and experience through the nexus of education with special emphasis on early childhood, STEAM education. We will promote health and wellbeing especially in urban and rural communities in North East Florida, across the United States and around the world.
Foundational Pillars
The STEP into Learning Network embraces four foundational pillars.
The Whole Child
We embrace a holistic view of the learner that is child-centered and anchored in hands-on experiences that entice children to solve, tinker, explore and play (STEP) into learning.
Teacher’s Adaptive Capacities
We view teachers as having the unique opportunity and capacity to curate innovative learning activities that activate, engage, provoke, and support young learner's innate curiosity, sense making, and cognitive processing.
Inquiry
We believe that students, teachers, parents, and caregivers have the unique opportunity and capacity to activate critical thinking, and to reinforce the learners developing understanding of their world through responsive and playful questioning and interaction.
Environment
We understand the importance and influence of supportive, accessible, and developmentally appropriate environments that elicit a sense of wonder and exploration.
Goals
- Leverage innovative cutting-edge research to support teaching and learning in early childhood
- Demystify and develop playful approaches to STEAM learning in early childhood
- Build bridges between researchers, practitioners, and caregivers.
- Work with stakeholders to further the field of ECE and STEAM.
STEP Into Learning Partners
