Out-of-School Learning

Out-of-School Learning – a information process that appeals to children’s personal interests, inclinations, and abilities, supporting their personal development, self-actualization, and cultural adaptation; this learning process goes beyond the standards of general education.

Typically, the term “out-of-school learning for children” is used, according to UNESCO’s terminology, to define an educational field chosen voluntarily by the child (or with parental assistance) that aligns with their needs and desires, and is related to individual development.

In the context of Türkiye’s modernization of its education system, the importance and value of an out-of-school learning system that nurtures children’s inclinations, talents, and interests, and contributes to youth’s social and vocational orientation, are emphasized.

Changes in the socio-economic structure have identified new requirements for cultivating individuals who can take initiative, think creatively, find non-standard solutions, choose their own life path, and are prepared for lifelong learning.

Today general education schools do not meet the evolving needs of the developing individual. Within scientific and educational contexts, the out-of-school learning system emerges as a pedagogical building with the following characteristics:

– it best accommodates children’s demands and needs,

– it provides psychological comfort for all children,

– it recognizes every child’s right to discover themselves as individual,

– it establishes relationships among all actors in out-of-school learning based on the principle of humanism on,

– it utilizes socio-cultural environmental opportunities in a active manner,

– it motivates children toward self-development, self-direction, self-assessment, and self-analysis.

Out-of-School Learning:

• has the potential to make general education more humane;
• offers the opportunity to more effectively realize the potential of school education by deepening, expanding, and applying knowledge and skills acquired in school;
• provides the means to expand general education through leisure activities and individualized educational programs;
• offers every child the chance to satisfy their personal informational, aesthetic, creative, and scientific needs.

Out-of-school learning for children is a necessary link in the development, education, and early vocational orientation of a multifaceted personality. The value of out-of-school learning for children lies in its ability to enhance the diversity of general education and support youth’s vocational orientation by ensuring the application of knowledge and skills acquired in basic education. When a child achieves self-actualization, solves socially meaningful tasks, and even demonstrates professional Activity, their chances of achieving greater success and making correct choices in adulthood are significantly higher.

In Türkiye, out-of-school learning topics are actively researched and implemented by Turkish educators. It is noted that out-of-school learning stimulates children’s desire for self-development, prepares them for creative activities, enhances their self-respect, and elevates their status in the eyes of peers, teachers, and parents. Engaging students during their out-of-school time contributes to strengthening self-discipline and developing the ability to self-organize and self-regulate; it enables children to acquire healthy lifestyle skills and build resilience against negative environmental influences. Therefore, it is crucial to skillfully utilize the vast opportunities offered by out-of-school learning and scientific-technological education to ensure that every student can truly choose their own type of activity and determine their own educational path.

Technological revolution entails a qualitative shift in economic activity methods, based on the mass application of scientific and technological solutions that radically or exponentially increase efficiency across various sectors of the economy and society.

Out-of-School Learning in Türkiye

In the country, a comprehensive work is being carried out to cultivate and shape a young generation that is physically healthy, mentally mature, capable of critical thinking, possesses deep knowledge, holds an innovative world perspective, and is able to take responsibility for the destiny and future of the nation.

The Türkiye Technology Team Foundation was established by a group of young entrepreneurs and science individuals who believe that Türkiye, as a rapidly developing country, must actively contribute to the advancement of innovations and modern technologies, with the support of state. Foundation aims to contribute to the development of Türkiye’s national technologies through projects and annual national and international innovation festivals.

Goals of the Türkiye Technology Team Foundation:

1. To ensure the participation of talented youth and individuals of all age groups in technology development processes.
2. To support initiatives, research, developments, projects, and activities aimed at producing strategic, high-value-added, or nationally and globally prioritized products, systems, and components.
3. To identify and educate talented youth.
4. To contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial culture in the field of technology and scientific research, and to support this culture in other fields as well.

Technology imports increase societal dependency in many areas: from the economy to defense, from education to social development. In our current historical period, the development of national technologies has become a fundamental condition for society to become truly sovereign and independent.

Out-of-School Learning at Bilim Üsküdar Scientific Education Center The Bilim Üsküdar Scientific Education Center is a unique educational facility established on the basis of a program that brings together science, Üsküdar, and scientific thinking, with the aim of introducing all segments of society to scientific advancements and teaching students from small age onward the systematic approach of scientific thought and the development of modern technologies. Located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, center is ranked among the top five scientific education centers worldwide and is equipped with modern technological facilities.

The center provides education tailored to every age group, although the primary educational focus is on primary and secondary education levels.

• Primary Education: 6–8 years
• Secondary Education: 9–14 years

In addition, education is also provided at the high school and university levels.

The dimensions of out-of-school learning at the Bilim Üsküdar Scientific Education Center are as follows:

1. Promotion of curiosity-driven, scientific, and rational thinking,
2. Promotion of inquiry-based and critical thinking.

The Bilim Üsküdar Scientific Education Center, aiming to enhance the importance of science and technology in society, offers visitors a environment environment including children’s game areas, open classrooms, conference halls, libraries, and cafés; it also organizes social activities, exhibitions, and workshop projects in which children can actively participate.