The relevance of non-formal Biology Olympiad training for upper secondary school students

Abstract

Science competitions, such as the International Biology Olympiad, are non-formal education targeted to upper secondary school students with high abilities. However, there is little knowledge about what is the relevance of training for a science competition. In this study, Finnish Biology Olympiad training participants were researched in the context of relevance of science education. In total, 28 students filled in questionnaires and participated in interviews. It was found out that the students experienced the training to be especially individually relevant for them, and there was no significant difference between genders. Based on the results, vocational and societal topics should be taken into more account in designing Olympiad trainings.

Keywords

• science education
• science competitions
• non-formal education
• out-of-school learning
• gifted students
• relevance