SoSE 2016

From left: IPSR Director Prof Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, Dato’ Aminah, Prof Chuah, Dr Sariah, Asean Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) President Datuk Hong Lee Pee, Teoh, Organising Chairperson Winnie Er Pek Hoon, MTSF winners Sia Peng Yee and Dr Choong Chee Guan

Over 300 educators were present at the 3rd Symposium on Science Education, themed ‘Inculcating Innovation in the Teaching of Science and Mathematics’, held at Sungai Long Campus on 13 August 2016.

It aimed to share innovative and effective teaching methods in STEM education, create awareness of adopting modern and innovative teaching methods of STEM subjects, and provide networking opportunities for STEM educators from various schools, colleges and universities.

Sia (left) demonstrating how lessons can be taught in the classroom

“When students are able to apply and relate the knowledge learnt to their daily lives and for creative innovation, these subjects will become exceptionally intriguing and fun. Educators must be aware that young learners learn best through hands-on experience as it creates curiosity and interest in learning,” said Ministry of Education (MoE), Curriculum Development Director Dr Sariah Binti Abdul Jalil.

“As all of us are aware, there is a steady decline in enrolment of students for STEM subjects and this is indeed a cause for concern. The world is increasingly defined by the advancement of science and technology and there is a need to arrest this steady decline,” said Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

Teoh providing ideas for developing effective teaching aids

“Jobs in STEM-related careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century, and they often have the greatest potential for job growth. Therefore, it is important that our students are well versed in these subjects,” said Representative of Majlis Profesor Negara, Kluster Pendidikan dan Pembangunan Modal Insan Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr Aminah Ayob.

Award winners of the Malaysian Toray Science Foundation (MTSF), Guru Cemerlang, Ikon Guru, Global Teacher Prize and others shared their experience, ideas and thoughts on innovative and effective teaching methods for STEM subjects.

Sasbadi Learning Solutions’ Tengku Hazrul Tengku Haizar demonstrating Lego robotics

In addition, there was a hands-on workshop by Malaysian Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) trainer Teoh Poh Yew on developing innovative teaching aids to help students understand mathematical concepts.

This symposium was organised by UTAR’s Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT), Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), and Division of Programme Promotion (DPP), together with the Majlis Profesor Negara (MPN) and Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF), and supported by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MoE), Toray Group (Malaysia), SASBADI and GTI Media.