To enhance networking collaboration and also to exercise the potential of SEAMEO affiliate and associate members, the three SEAMEO QITEPs (QITEP Language, Mathematics and Science) conducted Exploratory Visit to Paris (France) on 2nd to 8th December 2014. The intention to have this trip was to identity potential collaboration with prominent institutions in France and to enhance the visibility of the centers in global community. SEAMEO Qitep in Science was represented by Dr Maman Wijaya (Act.Director), Dr R. Indarjani (Deputy for Programme) and Ms Nita Hidawati the Principal of No. 6 Lower Secondary School, Bandung.
At this occasion, UNESCO as SEAMEO Affilate member become the institution to be visited, beside also Fondation La main à la pâte , a prominent education foundation in French that have become one of the SEAMEO QITEP in Science counterpart in developing and implementing IBSE concept and philosophy. In visiting the International Institute for Education Planning-UNESCO, the delegation received warm welcome from Dr Suzanne Grant Lewis which accompanied by the 3 specialist IIEP while in International Task Force on Teacher for EFA Unit delegation was greeted by Edem Adubra, Head of Secretariat. During the meeting, the delegations discussed some issues related global education realms, especially teacher competency and performance that determine learning process and outcome, while also identify potential and relevant collaboration to address this issues. In addition, delegations also visited Center Pilote Paris Goutte d’Or, a pilot center runs by La main a la pate, guided by Laurence Constantini, Coordinator of International Relations, Fondation La main à la pâte. The pilot center has the aims to develop the teaching of science through inquiry-based science approach, provides assistance to school teachers by providing educational resources, materials and scientific staff. During the visit, the QITEPs delegation also has given opportunity to observe directly the teaching process in a science class room.
From this official trip, the Three SEAMEO QITEPs agreed to established education collaboration that covered experts mobility, internship, participate in capacity building workshop and research and development.