In a bid to accelerate the development of S&T-focused teachers across the nation, the Department of Science and Technology ? Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), in partnership with six universities, trained 250 science and mathematics teacher trainers to prepare them for the implementation of the K-12 curriculum.
Dubbed Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (Star), the project seeks to provide an organized scheme of innovative trainings in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
DOST-SEI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bicol University, Central Luzon State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Philippine Normal University, Western Visayas State University, and Mindanao State University ? Iligan Institute of Technology for the training of 50 in-service science and mathematics teacher trainers per university on the latest innovations in teaching.
To date, Bicol University, Western Visayas State University, Central Luzon State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Mindanao State University ? Iligan Institute of Technology, have trained 250 mathematics teacher trainers on teaching elementary mathematics through problem solving.
DOST-SEI director Josette Biyo expressed optimism that the Star project will boost teaching of science and mathematics in the country as it transitions to the K-12 curriculum.
?The emergence of new technologies is changing the learning experience of our children. Thus, it stands to reason that we need to constantly find new and creative ways to engage and motivate our students to ensure effective learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),? she said.
Biyo also expressed confidence that Star will be very timely in the transition to the K-12 curriculum.
?We know that one of the goals of the science and math curriculum is to develop the critical and analytical thinking skills of students. Star therefore is our response to this curriculum change by offering an organized scheme of innovative trainings in STEM education to teachers around the country,? said Biyo.
Biyo disclosed that the next phase of the project will be to train science teachers on inquiry-based learning on science.
She said after training the teacher trainers, the same training will be cascaded to the teachers of each region.
