STEM as one of the flagship SEAQIS programmes is still an interesting topic for teachers. On 15-17 May, 2023, SEAQIS had the opportunity to provide STEM training for 30 science teachers at junior high school level in Toba District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This STEM training is a collaboration between SEAQIS and the Toba Regency Education, Youth and Sports Office which was held at SMPN 4 Lagubothi. The training was officially opened by Mr. Ricardo Hutajulu, Head of the Toba Regency Education, Youth and Sports Office. In his remarks, he conveyed “My dream and hope for education in Toba Regency is that teachers must be willing to improve competence, so that they can assist students to have achievements, such as winning the Science Olympiad not only on a local scale, but also nationally and even internationally.”
In this STEM training, Ms. Lintang Ratri Prastika and Mr. Gunawan Muhammad from SEAQIS were assigned as facilitators. During the training, the participants received material on the urgency of STEM learning in Indonesia, the definition of STEM learning, the characteristics of STEM learning, an analysis of science topics that can be taught using STEM approach and how to prepare lesson plans and assessments. In addition to receiving theoretical presentation, the participants also carried out various hands-on activities to strengthen their understanding of the characteristics of STEM and the underlying science concepts. There were also game activities to make the participants recognise and remember several engineering design process frameworks as one of the characteristics of STEM.
This STEM training is the first time for science teachers in Toba Regency. According to one of the teachers, this training was appealing and valuable for teachers to explore new things in learning. By implementing STEM learning, it seems that students will be more enthusiastic and happier in taking science lessons. Then, Mr. Ricardo emphasised in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the training “Ladies and gentlemen, you have received training in better understanding science material and now added to STEM training, you have received complete reinforcement in content and pedagogy. Furthermore, it must be implemented in each class, so that the benefits really reach students.”.
Writer: Lintang Ratri Prastika
Proof-reader: Anne Wiratma
