On 5 October 2024, SEAQIS actively participated in the 6th International Conference on Science Education and Technology (ICOSETH) 2024 held at UNS Tower, Sebelas Maret University, Solo, Central Java, Indonesia. The event was officially opened by Prof Dr Fitria Rahmawati, the Vice Rector of Academic and Research at Sebelas Maret University.
SEAQIS was represented by Ms Lintang Ratri Prastika who presented two significant research studies at the conference. The first research was an overview of SEAQIS STEM programmes. This study highlighted SEAQIS STEM programmes over the past seven years and analysed the distribution of participants across provinces in Indonesia. The research provided valuable insights into the geographic spread and participation trends of educators engaged in these programmes. The second study discussed the evaluation of STEM training implementation for teachers and educational personnel in Riau Province. Using Guskey’s 5 Levels of Professional Development Evaluation, this study assessed the effectiveness of STEM training programmes in Riau Province. The findings will serve as a foundation for improving future SEAQIS training initiatives, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of teachers and educational staff.
One of the most interesting insights in this conference came from Asst Prof Dr Niwat Srisawasdi (Khon Kaen University, Thailand) as the keynote speaker. His team has developed an AI-based application designed to diagnose the professional development needs of teachers. This innovation enables the Thai government to tailor training and professional development initiatives based on the specific needs of teachers. The idea sparked great interest from SEAQIS, as it opens up the potential to enhance SEAQIS applications in the future. By incorporating similar AI technology, SEAQIS could provide programmes that are more closely aligned with the needs of educators across Southeast Asia.
Participating in ICOSETH 2024 allowed SEAQIS to enhance its visibility within the academic community and contribute to the global dialogue on science education and technology. The conference provided an excellent platform to showcase SEAQIS’s research and ongoing efforts to improve STEM education and teacher training in the region. SEAQIS continues to leverage international collaborations and research platforms like ICOSETH to ensure the highest quality of professional development for educators, ultimately supporting the advancement of education across Southeast Asia.
Writer: Lintang Ratri Prastika
Proofreader: Marsa Attaqiya & Ayu Intan H.
