The island’s education is on full stream, as educators have noted that the exponential success of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) with students.
Continuing with the celebrations for Education Month, the EduNation Forum held this morning at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed followed the topic Building Excellence in Education through STEAM.
Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr Roderick Rudder delivered the welcome remarks on the behalf of the Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Santia Bradsha.
He noted that the change from STEM to STEAM has reaped numerous rewards. Rudder, who is responsible for planning and development, indicated that the revised curriculum met the needs of the 21st century.
“The stem to steam movement has taken route over the past several years and it surging forward as a positive mode of action to truly meet the needs of a 21st century economy,” said Rudder, who added that STEAM equipped children with the necessary skills to logically and positively handle global challenges that are affecting the economy, the environment and culture.
Rudder stressed that there needed to be a greater focus on ‘building excellence in education through STEAM’ as society evolved. He pointed out that students who were integrated in these open learning environments engaged in “experiential learning, persist in problem solving, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process”.
The deputy chief education officer stated that such students were the “innovators, educators, leaders and learners of the 21st century”.
Deliberating on the topic at hand was Principal of Queen’s College Dr David Browne; Chief Research and Planning Officer in the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations Ricardo Norville; Charles Cyrus, the acting director of the National Council on Science and Technology; Margaret Grant, guidance counsellor of the St Michael School and students Matthew Weatherhead and Janelle Bovell. (KK)
