Supporting physics teachers in the implementation of innovative teaching methods and inspiring learning environments

Abstract Education for employment in the information society requires a targeted development of students’ skills and competences. Innovative teaching methods and an appropriate learning environment are essential for the development of skills. Digital technologies make it possible to combine online education with face-to-face teaching. Our aim is to introduce lower and upper secondary school physics teachers to the blended learning method and its practical application in a stimulating future classroom lab (FCL) learning environment. Through an online survey, we mapped the attitudes of STEM teachers towards the teaching methods they use and the current state of the school laboratory in which they teach. In this paper we present the requirements for blended learning activities. We emphasise personalised education, a project-based approach and peer collaboration to develop skills and conceptual understanding. We offer teachers professional collaboration in the design of a flexible learning environment with the involvement of an industrial partner supporting the FCL concept. We highlight the importance of specific learning zones to achieve the stated learning objectives. We present the results of an anonymous survey on the state of physics specialist classrooms as a starting point for school management and teacher initiative in intended changes to the school learning space.