Teachers go back to school over summer to brush up on all things STEM
University’s teacher training programme could now be rolled out across the country, writes Angus Howarth
Student primary teachers have met STEM academics and industry specialists this week in a bid to improve understanding of the subject in schools.
The two-day event at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) offered practical tips on how science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem)-related activities can be implemented with the aim of encouraging more interest in the subjects among pupils. Billed as a Summer STEM Academy, the programme was developed in collaboration with other higher education centres, tech businesses and local authorities.
It’s hoped the training programme can now be rolled out across the country. Among the speakers was Scottish inventor James Goodfellow, who in 1966 patented the first ATM machine and created the personal identification number.
“The initiative’s aim is to raise the aspirations of pupils to consider STEM subjects, and to widen the access they have to higher education, highlighting that university can be accessible to all,” said UWS principal Professor Craig Mahoney.
“The Summer STEM Academy is an exciting opportunity for a mix of students to learn and share in their experiences of STEM together and build vital skills that will greatly benefit them later in life.”
Stuart Naismith, a teacher at Greenhill Primary School in North Lanarkshire, said: “The event will bring huge benefits to the student primary teachers in attendance, and how to contextualise learning with the many career opportunities STEM presents.
“My confidence in STEM grew through working in partnership with university lecturers, just as the students have been able to during this event.
“STEM is an area that student teachers often don’t feel as comfortable engaging with, but the STEM Academy will provide students with not only the knowledge and context, but also contacts they can use if they need help developing STEM in their own classrooms.”
Stephen Scholes, deputy head teacher at Auchenharvie Academy, North Ayrshire, said: “For our pupils to be part of this from the beginning is exciting, as we recognise that STEM education fosters the skills of problem solving and creativity.”