News
| Jun 14, 2023

Educators invited to attend Mico STEM Conference

/ Our Today

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Minister of Education and Youth, Favyal Williams, speaking during Tuesday’s (June 13) launch of The Mico University College’s International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference, at the institution’s campus in Kingston. (JIS photo)

Teachers at all levels of the academic system are being invited to attend The Mico University College’s International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference, from July 5 to 7 at the AC Hotel by Marriott in St. Andrew. 

The event, being held under the theme ‘Transforming Jamaica Through Education’, will afford participants the opportunity to learn about the skills needed to forge the sector into an enabling environment for the future STEM workforce. 

The Mico will host the conference in tandem with the Ministry of Education and Youth, STEM for Growth Foundation, and 21st CentEd. 

Minister of Education and Youth, Favyal Williams (second left), listens as Adjunct Lecturer for CAPE Animation, Game Design and Digital Media Studies, The Mico University College, Andrew Samuels (left), and sixth-form student, The Mico, Aija Hitchman (seated), explain animation they had on display. Also listening are The Mico President, Dr. Asburn Pinnock (centre); Chairman, STEM for Growth Foundation, Dr. Glen Christian (second right) and Chief Education Officer (Acting) in the Education Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe. They attended Tuesday’s (June 13) launch of The Mico’s International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference, at the College campus in Kingston. (JIS photo)

It was officially launched during a ceremony at the College in Kingston on Tuesday (June 13). 

Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, in her remarks, emphasised that as the Government works to create a STEM-enabling environment, relevant teaching methodologies will need to be adapted. 

She informed that the sector has approximately 25,000 teachers who will not only need to buy into the philosophy but also be reorientated to deliver a STEM-based curriculum. 

We recognise that teachers are the architects of the educational landscape, and their dedication and expertise are pivotal in shaping the minds of our future generations.

Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth

“We affirm our commitment to preparing our teachers to deliver a STEM-based framework. We recognise that teachers are the architects of the educational landscape, and their dedication and expertise are pivotal in shaping the minds of our future generations,” Williams stated. 

The Mico President, Dr. Asburn Pinnock, said STEM education, training and development will be “the game changer [and] engine which drives Jamaica’s development”. 

He maintained that it will also bolster the country’s international competitiveness in what is projected to be a trillion-dollar industry. 

Minister of Education and Youth, Favyal Williams (second right), examines a robot called ‘Wonder Dash’, while Lecturer and Director of the Robotics Society at The Mico University College, Wayne Thompson (right), explains how it is used to aid critical thinking. Others (from left) are Chief Education Officer (Acting) in the Ministry, Dr. Kasan Troupe; Chairman, STEM for Growth Foundation, Dr. Glen Christian and The Mico President, Dr. Asburn Pinnock. They attended Tuesday’s (June 13) launch of The Mico’s International Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference, at the College campus in Kingston. (JIS photo)

Dr. Pinnock noted that many Jamaican students develop a fear of STEM subjects, usually beginning with Mathematics, pointing out that adequately trained teachers will be vital in creating a shift in the youngsters’ mindset. 

“This will include training thousands of teachers to deliver STEM curriculum at all levels and the creation of a STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] Centre for innovation and research, which will operate as an extension of The Mico University College,” he said. 

Against this backdrop, Chairman of the STEM for Growth Foundation, Dr. Glen Christian, and wife Marva Christian, pledged US$1 million towards the centre’s construction. 

The international STEM conference provides a springboard for us to embrace this responsibility [and] unlock the potential in our students.

Dr. Glen Christia, Chairman of the STEM for Growth Foundation

“We need to pool our resources and coordinate our efforts so that, collectively, we can move faster and have a greater impact. The international STEM conference provides a springboard for us to embrace this responsibility [and] unlock the potential in our students,” Dr. Christian said. 

During the conference, teachers will be able to engage in several activities and at least 14 workshops that cover a range of related areas.

These include robotics, animation, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the introduction of STEM methodology. 

A 50-member working round table will also be organised, incorporating policymakers, educators, and the private sector, to work on a vision map for Jamaica and seize opportunities for investment. 

Persons may register for the conference using The Mico’s website, www.themico.edu.jm.

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