ARCturus

The option for getting updating training in astronomy is mostly dependable on how keen the teacher is in his interest and initiative. The university offers basic courses in astronomy, but some organizations have short courses for everyone. Their length ranges from one evening to a few days. In addition to this supply, many countries have courses in updating training for the teachers.

Aim: Acquire supplementary know-how for astronomy teaching by attending various courses and educational events.

 

Implementation: URSA provides training courses for adults and students. Also many astronomical associations arrange short educational courses, one night or a couple of days, for those who are interested in astronomy. For over ten years EAAE has yearly arranged an updating educational course in astronomy in various European countries.

 

Methods: The courses are usually lectures, but in recent times there are more and more courses which challenge the students to various activities, e.g. the participants prepare observation tools or make explorations by themselves. In the courses arranged by EAAE, the main emphasis is on activating workshops where the participants prepare, observe and test self-made tools or ready-made toolkits.

 

Materials: The courses use craft materials which are simple, cheap and available for everyone.

 

Pondering: It is worthwhile also to use teaching materials which somebody else has created. They can, of course, be refined further and modified according to the user’s needs and likings.

 

Exploration of the results: It is worthwhile to compare the contents of the teaching with other programmes, because there is always an option to learn something new and improve the methods used. It is also rewarding to share with the others ideas, which have turned out to be good.

 

Hints: The information on astronomy is constantly becoming more and more accurate. That is why there is a solid need for updating it by participating in additional educational courses.

 

Keywords: Supplementary training, university programme, EAAE, URSA, astronomical association

 

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