22 June 2017

Technology-enabled teaching methods dramatically improves STEM learning and skill development

Author :


Research conducted by the University of Canberra STEM Education Research Centre (SERC) in collaboration with tech giant Samsung has announced some pretty interesting findings this week.

Investigating the effects of a practical approach to mathematics education, the project found that integrating technology into primary school teaching practice increased students’ spatial reasoning and mathematical capability scores. In addition to this, it was also demonstrated that the integration of technology devices into secondary school science investigations improved student’s design-process thinking and inquiry-based learning.

The findings were presented at the Parliament House earlier this week in the presence of Craig Laundy, Assistant Minister for Industry Innovation and Science, and are a clear demonstration of the contributions to be made from industry participation in STEM research and education.

Education Minister, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham said the collaboration between Samsung and the University of Canberra highlighted how businesses and researchers could join forces to deliver real potential benefits for Australians.

“The Turnbull Government is focused on ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed and we encourage contributions like this one from Samsung and the University of Canberra because they have the potential to give young Australians even more opportunities,” Minister Birmingham said.

It’s clear that these partnerships have much to contribute to the national effort to reform the science and mathematics curriculum. Universities and industry need to continue the shift into this mindset and increase efforts to form partnerships, so we can collaboratively reignite a national interest in STEM education and fuel future productivity in the economy.

Samsung’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Tess Ariotti, says the findings hold significance not only for educators and policy makers but also for the wider community.

“By bringing together the best of Samsung digital technologies with proven creative design methods and world-leading science research, Samsung has gained a better understanding of training that can improve math performance and STEM education practices,” Tess said.

Professor Tom Lowrie, University of Canberra’s SERC Director, said “the research has allowed us to open the door to opportunities for action-based educational experiences and greater collaboration with educators and the wider STEM industry.”

Tess Ariotti and Tom Lowrie are co-presenting at the Future-Proofing STEM Industries summit, discussing the collaborative work being done between Samsung and the University of Canberra and the potential for nationwide STEM education reform with education-industry partnerships.

Join us at the event to hear from Tess and Tom, as well as numerous other case studies from top industry and university speakers.

Written by: Beth Hampton

Beth came to Australia in late 2016. Having spent some time travelling through Southeast Asia and briefly living in Singapore – she was ready to embrace the lifestyle of a working Sydneysider!

Beth grew up in London, and completed her degree in Psychology at the University of York. She always dreamed of landing a job in the police, but figured it was worth swapping the handcuffs and late shifts for an exciting new city and a job full of fun and opportunity in a fantastic company like Akolade!

Beth loves cooking, playing the piano, terrible British soap operas, an ice-cold G&T and exploring new places. 

No comments :

Post a Comment