(MENAFN- The Peninsula) A total of 150 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) teachers from high schools in Qatar were recognised for completing 30 hours of training and instruction in the use of robotics programming in classroom settings.
The awards ceremony was held at College of the North Atlantic Qatar (CNA-Q).
Each teacher participated in 10 three-hour training sessions delivered by Information Technology faculty since the start of the year and training continues for another 150 teachers at the college. The study and use of robotics kits by high school students has been shown to improve problem-solving, creativity and team working skills.
The positive impact of the programming in supporting the delivery of STEM subjects has been recognised by the Supreme Education Council which has backed its use as an effective and engaging way to teach high school students technical and engineering skills.
Robotics has been included in IT curricula for most grades at Independent schools, with students in grades three to 10 now required to participate in one- hour robotics programming instruction each week.
The training in robotics programming is one of the core elements of the national school robotics programme, GO ROBOT, established in 2012 by Maersk Oil Qatar in partnership with CNA-Q.
The programme reflects the businesses' sustained efforts to encourage greater participation in STEM subjects.
In addition to supporting teachers' professional development, it is anticipated that the training will also encourage wider participation in National Robot Olympiad and World Robot Olympiad in Qatar from October 30 to November 1 and November 6 to 8, respectively.
Both challenge teams of students from Qatar and around the world to put skills to test in building robots capable of solving gaming challenges. This year marks the first time World Robot Olympiad will be hosted by Qatar, and teams from more than 50 countries are expected to participate.
Sheikh Jassim Al Thani, Head, Qatarisation, Maersk Oil Qatar, said, "The programme is an ideal example of what can be achieved by balancing support for teachers' professional development with efforts to boost students' enthusiasm for these important subjects. We're proud to be part of its success and to support continued efforts of talented and committed teachers and educators."
Dr Theodore Chiasson, Dean, Information Technology, CNA-Q, said,"My colleagues and I are delighted that we're able to celebrate so many teachers' commitment and success. Our programme of training and professional development has grown in the time we've been running it and it is satisfying to witness progress of the educators who have completed it."
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