Learn by buiilding foundation

VISION

Communities where active learning births innovation, possibilities, and STEM solutions; locally and globally

MISION

To connect, inspire and engage young learners in underserved areas, in rigorous STEM learning activities that leads to building solutions.

WHY?

STEM is the bedrock of advancement and development in any society. In Nigeria, the student’s achievement is STEM is less than average (50%) based on the statistics of the National exams written annually by high/secondary school graduates. In our Educational institutions, male and female students rarely get hands on learning experience, which leads to poor skills after schooling. Many students in STEM discipline hardly see the theories they learn in class as something they can covert to value. Less than 50% of the secondary schools own functional laboratories or computers for learning. Learners need to understand that they can turn their knowledge into STEM Solutions to solve our societal problems like digital illiteracy, waste disposal, power/energy, etc and move beyond just getting a grade.

LBF is a Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) organization which is focused on Driving STEM Solutions and innovation by connecting, inspiring, and engaging young people in our local communities to create the change we need as a nation using STEM. We engage students in STEM participatory clubs and competitions, helping them in creating solutions for our communities with their ideas, skill and work, which make them become inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs that the nation needs

As projects Lead, she provides visionary leadership, crafting strategic plans and curriculum aligned with the mission to advance STEM education. This involves overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs, managing resources, timelines, and budgets efficiently. Building and nurturing partnerships with various stakeholders, including schools’ administrators, Parents, student, teachers and government regulatory agencies for example ministry of Education, which is essential for program expansion and sustainability. Fundraising is a significant part of her work, with responsibilities including grant writing, donor relations, and budget management to ensure financial stability. Also recruiting, mentoring, and managing staff, fostering a capable and motivated team dedicated to the organization's goals.

She also engages with the community alongside other staff, advocating for STEM education and representing the learn by building foundation interests.

Making sure ethical and logical standards are maintained to sustain the organization's integrity.

To ensure effectiveness, certain members of the team will be fully dedicated to the LEAP project, beginning from the program officers, who report to the projects lead on all the activities ongoing in the LEAP project. This will enable 

1. Prioritizing  of the LEAP project among certain team member, making sure the focus, and consistently provide reports on LEAP project activities.

2. Clear communication of project goals and expectations

3. Resource Management: report will include how funds, time are effectively managed for program outcomes

3. Monitoring and Evaluation is done to keep track of program performance, identify areas for improvement. Regularly collecting data on program outcomes, participant feedback, and other information that will enable us make informed decisions

connect, inspire and engage kids to learn by creatively solving problems through STEM

1. Lack of Engagement in Learning: Many children struggle to engage with traditional educational approaches, leading to disinterest and disengagement in learning. This project seeks to spark interest and enthusiasm for learning by providing hands-on, interactive STEM activities that are both engaging and enjoyable for children.

2. Limited Exposure to STEM Concepts: Children may have limited exposure to STEM subjects, which can hinder their ability to develop essential skills and competencies for future success. By connecting children with engaging STEM experiences, the project aims to broaden their understanding of STEM concepts and their applications in real-world contexts.

3. Lack of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: In today's rapidly changing world, children need to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills to navigate complex challenges and opportunities. This project provides opportunities for children to creatively solve problems using STEM concepts, fostering the development of these essential skills.

4. Underrepresentation in STEM Fields: Certain groups, such as girls and minority populations, are often underrepresented in STEM fields due to various societal barriers and stereotypes. By inspiring and empowering all children to explore STEM subjects, regardless of gender or background, the project aims to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM education and careers.

5. Disconnect Between School Learning and Real-World Applications: Traditional classroom learning may not always emphasize the practical applications of STEM concepts, leading to a disconnect between school learning and real-world problem-solving. This project bridges that gap by providing children with opportunities to apply STEM knowledge and skills to solve authentic, hands-on challenges.

6. Limited Access to Enrichment Opportunities: Not all children have equal access to enrichment opportunities, such as extracurricular STEM programs or resources. This project aims to provide accessible, inclusive, and engaging STEM learning experiences for children of all backgrounds, helping to level the playing field and promote equity in education.

• Children between the ages of 5 and 12 will participate in a program that lasts for 12 weeks.
• Each week, they will engage in activities related to STEM subjects such as science experiments, building projects, coding challenges, and mathematical puzzles.
• These activities are designed to be fun, engaging, and hands-on, allowing children to learn by doing and exploring concepts in a practical way.
• Throughout the program, children will work individually and in groups to creatively solve problems using STEM principles, fostering collaboration and critical thinking skills.
• By the end of the 12 weeks, children will have gained a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and developed confidence in their ability to tackle challenges in these areas.

The Goals to be achieved include: 

• to connect children with the exciting world of STEM subjects.
•  inspiring and engaging activities, children will be motivated to learn by creatively solving problems using STEM principles.
• The program aims to inspire curiosity and spark a passion for learning in children by showing them how STEM concepts can be applied to real-world problems.
• Children will be encouraged to think creatively, work collaboratively, and persevere through challenges as they explore STEM subjects in a fun and interactive way.
• By participating in this program, children will not only develop foundational STEM skills but also cultivate important life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

User Interviews: The organization has undertaken qualitative interviews with participants as part of its formative research process. These interviews delve into participants' experiences, perceptions, and learning outcomes during the program. By engaging directly with participants, the organization gains valuable insights into the effectiveness of the program, uncovering nuanced feedback on what aspects worked well and areas for improvement. Through open-ended questions and in-depth discussions, the organization can capture the qualitative nuances of participants' experiences, providing rich, contextually-driven feedback that complements quantitative data.

Pre and Post Evaluations: In addition to qualitative assessments, the organization has conducted pre and post evaluations to quantify changes in participants' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. Before engaging in the program, participants undergo baseline assessments to establish their starting point. Following program completion, participants are reassessed to measure any changes or improvements. This quantitative approach allows the organization to track and analyze the impact of the program objectively. By comparing pre and post evaluation data, the organization can gauge the effectiveness of the program in achieving its intended outcomes, such as increasing STEM knowledge, enhancing problem-solving skills, or fostering a positive attitude towards STEM subjects. The findings from these evaluations provide concrete evidence of the program's impact and effectiveness, informing future program design and improvement efforts.

1. Previous Knowledge: Through pre-program assessments, we found that participants entered the program with varying levels of previous knowledge in STEM subjects. Some children had a strong foundation in certain areas, while others were relatively new to STEM concepts.

2. Behavioral Changes: Post-program evaluations indicated significant behavioral changes among participants. Many children exhibited increased curiosity and eagerness to participate in STEM activities, demonstrating a newfound interest and enthusiasm for learning.

3. Ability to Think and Take Initiative: Participants showed noticeable improvements in their ability to think critically and take initiative when faced with challenges. They became more proactive in problem-solving and demonstrated greater confidence in applying STEM principles to real-world scenarios.

4. Eagerness to Apply Learning at Home: Parents reported that their children showed increased eagerness to apply what they had learned in the program at home. Children were more inclined to experiment and tinker with household objects, demonstrating a desire to explore and innovate beyond the confines of the program.

Moving forward, these insights have informed our work in several ways:

1. Tailoring Instruction: We have adapted our instructional approach to accommodate varying levels of previous knowledge among participants. By offering differentiated instruction, we ensure that all children are appropriately challenged and supported in their learning journey.

2. Enhancing Engagement: We have implemented strategies to further enhance participant engagement, such as incorporating more hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and collaborative projects. These adjustments aim to sustain and deepen children's interest and enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

3. Fostering Independence: Recognizing the importance of fostering independence and self-directed learning, we have introduced opportunities for participants to take greater ownership of their learning process. This includes encouraging exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving in both structured and unstructured settings.

4. Supporting Parental Involvement: We have strengthened our efforts to involve parents in their children's STEM learning experiences by providing resources, tips, and suggestions for extending learning at home. By empowering parents to support and reinforce their children's learning outside of the program, we aim to create a more cohesive and impactful learning ecosystem.

1.Strengthening the evidence base (EV) allows the organization to conduct rigorous assessments of its STEM learning programs to ensure they effectively achieve their goals. Through research methodologies such as pre- and post-program assessments,surveys, and interviews,the organization can measure the impact of its initiatives on participants' knowledge, skills,attitudes, and behaviors related to STEM subjects.By collecting quantitative and qualitative data, the organization gains valuable insights into which aspects of the programs are most effective and where improvements may be needed.This evidence-based approach not only validates the efficacy of the programs but also provides valuable feedback for refinement and enhancement.

2Every child has unique learning preferences, abilities, and backgrounds.By building a robust EV,the organization can gain a deeper understanding of these individual differences and tailor its programs accordingly.Through data collection on factors such as learning styles, interests, and prior knowledge, the organization can design personalized learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of participants. For example, if research shows that hands-on activities are particularly effective for certain age groups, the organization can incorporate more experiential learning opportunities into its programs.This personalized approach not only enhances engagement and motivation but also maximizes learning outcomes for each participant.

3.Evidence-based research provides essential data insights that inform the design and development of STEM learning programs and curricula.By analyzing data on effective teaching strategies, learning methodologies, and curriculum content, the organization can identify best practices and evidence-based approaches to program design.This ensures that programs are engaging, relevant, and aligned with the latest research in STEM education.For instance, if research indicates that project-based learning fosters deeper understanding and retention of STEM concepts,the organization can incorporate this pedagogical approach into its curriculum design. By continuously refining and updating its programs based on empirical evidence, the organization can stay at the forefront of STEM education innovation.

4.Strengthening the EV enables the organization to assess the long-term impact of its STEM learning initiatives on participants' educational and career trajectories. By tracking participants over time and collecting data on outcomes such as academic achievement, interest in STEM fields,pursuit of STEM-related careers,and contributions to innovation and societal progress, the organization can measure the lasting effects of its programs. Longitudinal studies allow the organization to understand how participation in STEM learning activities influences individuals' personal and professional development over time.This evidence of long-term impact is essential for demonstrating the effectiveness and value of the organization's work to stakeholders and funders.

5.A strong EV builds confidence and trust among stakeholders,including parents, educators, policymakers,funders,and the broader community. By providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness and impact of its programs, the organization can garner support and investment for its mission and initiatives.Transparent reporting of research findings and rigorous evaluation methodologies demonstrate the organization's commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.As stakeholders see tangible evidence of the positive outcomes achieved through the organization's efforts,they are more likely to endorse, advocate for,and contribute to its initiatives.This stakeholder confidence is essential for sustaining the organization's work and expanding its reach to more children s in need of quality STEM education opportunities.

1. What are the long-term effects of participation in STEM learning programs during childhood and adolescence on individuals' educational attainment, career pathways, and contributions to innovation and societal progress?

2. How do personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs, including learning styles, interests, and prior knowledge, impact participants' engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes in STEM education?

3. What are the most effective teaching strategies, learning methodologies, and curriculum content for fostering deep understanding, retention, and application of STEM concepts among children and teenagers, and how can these be integrated into STEM learning programs to maximize effectiveness and relevance?

Formative research methods focus on understanding the context, processes, and potential impacts of an intervention, making them particularly well-fit for answering the stated research questions related to STEM learning programs. Below are some useful ways formative research can address these questions.

• Long-term effects of STEM participation: Formative research methods such as longitudinal studies and process evaluations would be instrumental in exploring the long-term effects of participation in STEM learning programs. By tracking participants over an extended period, researchers can gather data on their educational attainment, career pathways, and contributions to innovation and societal progress. Process evaluations can provide insights into the mechanisms through which STEM programs influence participants' long-term outcomes, shedding light on key factors contributing to success.
• Impact of personalized learning experiences: User interviews, usability studies, and pre-post or multi-measure research can help assess the impact of personalized learning experiences on participants' engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes in STEM education. By gathering feedback from participants and measuring changes in knowledge, skills, and attitudes before and after participating in personalized learning activities, researchers can evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches and identify areas for improvement.
• Effective teaching strategies and curriculum design: Formative research methods such as case studies, implementation studies, and process evaluations can provide insights into effective teaching strategies, learning methodologies, and curriculum content for STEM education. By conducting in-depth examinations of successful STEM programs, researchers can identify best practices and lessons learned in program design and implementation. Process evaluations can also help researchers understand how specific teaching strategies and curriculum components contribute to desired learning outcomes, informing the development of evidence-based recommendations for STEM education practitioners.

Once the formative research outputs are obtained, the Learn by building foundation can leverage them to drive actionable strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and impact of their programs and initiatives. Here's an overview of how these outputs can be used to take concrete actions:

Long-term effects of STEM participation:

• Program refinement: Utilize insights gleaned from longitudinal studies and process evaluations to refine program components and delivery methods. This may involve adjusting curriculum content, instructional methodologies, and program structure based on identified strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
• Targeted interventions: Develop targeted interventions tailored to address factors influencing long-term outcomes, such as career guidance, mentorship programs, or alumni networks. These initiatives can provide ongoing support and resources to participants as they progress along their educational and career pathways.
• Partnership building: Forge strategic partnerships with educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to provide participants with access to resources, opportunities, and support systems. Collaborative efforts can enhance the sustainability and scalability of programs while expanding participants' networks and pathways for success.

Impact of personalized learning experiences:

• Curriculum adaptation: Modify curriculum content and teaching strategies based on feedback gathered from user interviews and usability studies. By aligning program offerings with participants' learning preferences and needs, organizations can enhance engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes.
• Professional development: Offer professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their ability to personalize learning experiences and cater to the diverse needs of participants. Training sessions, workshops, and mentoring programs can equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement effective personalized learning approaches.
• Resource allocation: Allocate resources, such as technology tools, educational materials, and training programs, to support the implementation of personalized learning approaches. By investing in infrastructure and support systems, organizations can facilitate the effective delivery of personalized learning experiences to participants.

Effective teaching strategies and curriculum design:

• Best practices dissemination: Disseminate findings from case studies and implementation studies to STEM education practitioners through various channels, including workshops, conferences, and professional networks. Sharing evidence-based practices and success stories can inspire educators and inform their instructional practices.
• Guidelines development: Develop guidelines or recommendations for effective teaching strategies and curriculum design based on evidence from process evaluations and research findings. These guidelines can serve as a roadmap for educators, providing practical insights and strategies for improving instructional quality and student engagement.
• Capacity building: Provide ongoing training and support for educators to implement evidence-based teaching strategies and curriculum approaches in their own STEM programs. By investing in educator capacity building, organizations can empower educators to deliver high-quality STEM instruction that fosters meaningful learning experiences for participants.

For Learn by building Foundation:

1. Sustainability: Establish a sustainable model for delivering engaging and impactful STEM education programs for children. The organization aims to continue offering similar initiatives in the future, expanding its reach and impact on youth education.

2. Reputation and Recognition: Build a strong reputation as a leader in innovative STEM education for children. By demonstrating success with this project, the organization seeks to enhance its credibility and attract partnerships, funding, and support from stakeholders.

3. Community Engagement: Foster strong connections with the community by actively involving parents, educators, and local organizations in the project. The organization aims to create a network of support and collaboration to sustain and expand its STEM education initiatives.

4. Long-term Impact: Measure the long-term impact of the project on participants' interest in STEM subjects, academic achievement, and career aspirations. The organization seeks to track the progress of participants over time to assess the lasting effects of their engagement with STEM activities.

For our Solution:

1. Educational Impact: Foster a love for learning and curiosity about STEM subjects among children ages 5-12. The solution aims to spark interest and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on, creative problem-solving activities.

2. Skills Development: Equip children with critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills essential for success in STEM fields and beyond. The solution seeks to cultivate a growth mindset and confidence in children's ability to tackle real-world challenges using STEM concepts.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: Create an inclusive learning environment that welcomes children from diverse backgrounds and encourages participation regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The solution aims to promote equity and diversity in STEM education and inspire a new generation of innovators and problem solvers.

4. Lifelong Learning: Instill a passion for lifelong learning and exploration of STEM topics beyond the duration of the project. The solution seeks to ignite children's curiosity and encourage ongoing engagement with STEM activities, resources, and opportunities in their everyday lives.