KUCHING – The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) academic team from Swinburne recently concluded the two-month-long STEAM workshops conducted for 15 primary schools in Serian district.
A total of 255 students and teachers participated in the workshops that kicked off in April and ended with a closing ceremony on 23 June. The workshop begun with the Train the Trainer Workshop for school teachers at SK St Dominic Pichin, Serian following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to train them to conduct the STEAM activities in their respective schools. However, subsequent communications, supports and further activities were later required to be conducted online due to the implementation of MCO.
The workshops were held with the objectives to develop students’ critical thinking skills in applying Science knowledge, Mathematics techniques and English language through activity-based learning; to enhance the interest of students in STEAM; and to help them becoming self-directed learners via interactive educational workshops. The students participated in engaging learning activities such as Floating Boat, Lose the Blues, Magnet Art, Story Envelope, and Kahoot! Maths Whizz where these activities encouraged them to be creative and exchange ideas while solving real life STEAM problems. In addition, the Swinburne team also showcased alumni success stories through video presentation to inspire the young participants.
The workshop closing ceremony on 23 June.
Carrying the motto ‘To embrace resilience and cultivate future-ready learners’, the Swinburne cross-disciplinary academic team is led by Programme Coordinator Shella Georgina Beatrice and facilitated by lecturers Dr Tan Vie Ming, Dr Yii Kwang Jing, Dr Irine Runnie Henry Ginjom, Dr Ling Chui Ching, Esther John Perry, and Head of School of Foundation Studies Su Sueh Ing.
The team initiated the STEAM projects for students in rural schools in Serian division in response to the Swinburne Strategic Plans 2025. The STEAM activities were tailored to require only easily accessible and affordable learning materials for students. The projects reflect Swinburne’s strategies to bridge the community and industry partners with the university, and positive feedback from various stakeholders have encouraged the team to reach out to a wider community in the rural areas.
According to the team representative, they were very impressed with the level of participation of the 15 schools over the past two months despite the physical activity restrictions due to the pandemic. They expressed their gratitude to Mr Jatan Beji and his team from Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Serian; headmasters, Science and Mathematics teachers, and students from all the participating schools; Swinburne Sarawak Executive Group; and all stakeholders for their continued support and encouragement.
The team also congratulated all the winners and participants, particularly SK Temong for winning the special award for the most number of student winners. Furthermore, the team is appreciative of the education programme grants awarded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research Sarawak. With the grants, the team hopes to continuously inspire others to reach out and support Swinburne’s Strategic Plan to be a world class university that creates impact through science, technology and innovation.
For more information about Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website www.swinburne.edu.my, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).