Practical learning in schools How a better understanding of practical learning can engage young people and teachers in engineering

The aim of this research is to understand how a better understanding of the value of practical learning in schools might drive innovation in pedagogy and so inspire young people to want to become engineers. The research has four objectives (1) to understand the benefits of practical learning in secondary schools (2) to describe the features of high-quality practical teaching (3) to create a map of secondary schools in the UK which are investing significantly in practical learning, and (4) to explore the ways in which high-quality experiences of practical learning are or could be being used for engineering-related activities.