(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Over 20 teachers from 16 secondary schools participated in the inaugural Engineering Leaders Institute for Excellence in Mathematics Education recently.
The five-day institute, organized by Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), aimed to enhance teaching techniques to deepen students' understanding of maths as a foundation for advanced education, said Dr Sandra Nite, institute facilitator and research scientist in maths education at Aggie STEM, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, US.
"Teachers' professional development is a effective approach for STEM outreach and enrichment," Nite said. "By helping 20 teachers enhance teaching strategies, you can impact the learning of hundreds or thousands of students in the years that follow."
Dr Mohamed Elgindi, Professor of Maths, TAMUQ, was Nite's co-instructor for the institute. He reminded teachers of ancient Arab scholars' contributions to science and led sessions, highlighting maths concepts important for success as a university engineering student. Teachers used graphing calculators and rangefinder devices to link mathematical data with real-world applications. The institute was developed as part of Engineering Leaders Outreach Strategy to prepare young Qataris for university studies in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), said Dr Hamid Parsaei, Director, Academic Outreach, and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, TAMUQ.
He thanked Maersk Oil Qatar, sponsor and industry partner for the Engineering Leaders Programme.
Tahany Abdel Rahman Al Shouli, teacher at Al Wakra Independent Secondary School who has taught maths in Qatar for 27 years, said the institute presented innovative and useful approaches for enhancing students' learning of maths concepts.
"The workshop provided participants with techniques for developing and enriching knowledge and teaching styles to enable us to improve our students' educational background and learning process," Al Shouli said. "By working with Supreme Education Council, TAMUQ and Maersk Oil, Qatar is shaping the future of education."
Jowaher Al Marri, involved in STEM development for TAMUQ, said feedback from teachers highlights the importance of holding programmes for them and students. "The institute is the first of many STEM-enrichment programmes we plan in the months ahead. We are proud to be working with schools and industry partners such as Maersk Oil to promote education as the primary pathway to achieve goals of Qatar National Vision 2030."
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