Charles Sturt students are exploring kits designed to develop curiosity and knowledge of STEM disciplines during a special tutorial with the NSW Education Department.
Pre-service teachers are now required to understand the new NSW Department of Education’s STEM kits in order to be job-ready upon graduation.
The STEM resource was explained to the students by the NSW Department of Education’s Mr Geoff Childs, at a special tutorial at the University today.
Lecturer in science education Dr Barbara Bannister in the Charles Sturt School of Teacher Education in Bathurst said Charles Sturt said the University’s graduates must be job-ready upon graduation and understanding STEM education is a ‘must’ for all initial teacher education students.
“This special tutorial for our pre-service K-6 teachers is a great opportunity for our students to learn from someone working in the industry and has come at an ideal time following National Science Week 2019,” Dr Bannister said.
“Our pre-service teachers need to know about these STEM kits in order to be prepared for teaching in today’s classrooms.”
The Charles Sturt initial teacher education course curriculum supports the National STEM School Education Strategy 2016-2026.
“Its two strategic goals are to (1) ensure all students finish school with strong foundational knowledge in STEM and related skills, and (2) ensure that students are inspired to take on more challenging STEM subjects,” Dr Bannister said.
Dr Bannister explained that to ensure the delivery of quality STEM education for all students, the NSW Department of Education and Charles Sturt are: raising expectations and enhancing the quality of student learning in STEM; fostering quality teaching and leadership in STEM; and using innovative ways of delivering STEM education
Dr Bannister said the success of STEM in schools relies on “actively engaging students in authentic and challenging STEM learning experiences” and “creating learning environments that foster innovation and creativity”.
“By developing curiosity and knowledge of STEM disciplines, students make connections and see the relevance for future career pathways,” she said.