Nemoni

The concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergent spectrum refer to the many ways in which the human brain processes information. In the past, these issues have often been referred as neuropsychiatric disorders, which have been described as developmental disorders related to brain activity that manifest themselves as a typical course of action and behavior for each disorder. However, defining the neurotypical as normal and the neuroatypical as a disorder is in many ways a problematic way of dealing with the phenomenon. Hence, this project uses the term neurodiversity. Atypical processing of information can affect social interaction, linguistic and non-linguistic communication, regulation of emotions and behaviour, and control of one's own actions, among other things. Some estimates suggest that up to 15% of the population experiences neurodiversity.

Teaching and working methods have been found to be connected to learning outcomes for neurodiverse pupils, with particular benefits being achieved through activity-based, exploratory and inquiry-based teaching methods. Functional tasks and experimental work motivate students. In turn, this motivation leads pupils to work more persistently and with more purpose. Experiential science and technology education activities and work-based learning methods therefore have a good potential to motivate and support pupils with neurodiversity, provided that the challenges and benefits of neurodiversity are taken into account in the design and implementation of the activities. Supporting learning and motivation can help neurodiverse adolescents to stay on the educational pathway and continue their studies up to tertiary level.

The Nemoni project supports the educational pathways of young people with neuropsychiatric disorders by developing and testing forms of science and technology education and workplace exposure that enhance their executive skills and motivation to learn. In addition, the project seeks ways to support the completion of studies and the transition to employment of neurodiverse higher education students. Through practical development and testing of various activities the project will also produce material and training for the different actors involved with young people with neurodiversity.

Goals

• Enhancing Educational Equity and Preventing Educational Inequality – The Perspective of Neurodiversity.
• Increasing knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities (weaknesses & strengths) associated with neurodiversity and their impact on educational pathways.
• Enhancing knowledge, understanding, and expertise in working with neurodivergent learners in higher education and in collaboration between higher education institutions and lower education levels.
• Developing and testing educational models and teaching content in science and technology education that support neurodivergent individuals.
• Developing and testing approaches to introduce neurodivergent individuals to working life.
• Disseminating the developed methods and models for use within the science education network through training and guidelines.
• Developing guidance practices that consider neurodiversity and producing guidance materials.