Access to STEM-based teaching approach

To facilitate access to STEM-based teaching approach in Khanh Hoa Province, the local education and training sector has regularly directed schools to organize creative hands-on extracurricular activities for leaners, especially ethnic minority children.

 

STEM-based extracurricular activities 

 

STEM-based extracurricular activities of natural science held by STEAM Nha Trang jointly with Nha Trang Observatory have just taken place at Khanh Nam Primary School, Khanh Vinh District. Kids were so excited to see kinds of telescopes for the first time. “I learn natural science but I have not seen  telescopes before. I can observe the sky through the telescope,” a fifth-grader said. Besides observing the sky and the planet, pupils were shown by Steam Nha Trang how to make hand sanitizer (WHO formula).

 

 

 

Cao Thi Thu Nhi said, “I can do experiment and make hand sanitizer myself quickly. We work together excitedly and effectively. With the hands-on learning, I can remember  and understand what we have learned easily and feel more motivated studying the subject and joining the team work.”

 

Following the Department of Education & Training’s guidance on STEM-based education, schools in Khanh Hoa Province, especially in mountainous areas have flexibly organized creative experience activities. For example, students practice making rockets in physics class, using bottles and pipes available;  acting in literature class, etc.

 

Expanding hands-on learning activities

 

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, is an effective teaching method. STEAM is designed to integrate the 5 subjects with relevant knowledge and skills.

Many high schools in Khanh Hoa Province have attended workshops, conferences and training courses on STEAM education held by the Ministry of Education & Training and the Department of Education & Training. STEAM based experience activities vary from hands-on learning to sight-seeing tours to cultural and tourist destinations, project-based learning, STEAM days, scientific and technological days, etc.

 

According to Le Dinh Thuan, Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Education & Training, based on  the Department’s STEAM education program, several schools in Khanh Hoa Province have organized various educational activities; integrated extracurricular activities with theoretic lessons to make the class more dynamic and fun, especially in mountainous areas. The teaching innovation has also facilitated students’ access to science and helped them learn efficiently. 

 

In the coming time, the Department will continue promoting awareness of STEAM education approach with integrated teaching and project-based learning, following the Ministry of Education & Training’s guidance. In addition, the education and training sector will focus on providing STEAM expertise training for management staff and teachers at high schools and choose suitable STEAM education topics for teaching, contributing to improving education. 

 

 

 

 T.Truc

Translated by N.T