• Pre-service teachers are now required to understand the new NSW Department of Education’s STEM kits in order to be job-ready upon graduation
• Charles Sturt students will explore the STEM kits during a special tutorial with the Department on Tuesday 20 August
• Charles Sturt is committed to supporting STEM in initial teacher education programs

Initial teacher education students at Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) will explore the new Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) resource kits, which were recently made available to school teachers by the NSW Government.

The STEM resource kits will be explained to the students by the NSW Department of Education’s Mr Geoff Childs, at a special tutorial at the University on Tuesday 20 August.

Lecturer in science education Dr Barbara Bannister in the Charles Sturt School of Teacher Education in Bathurst said Charles Sturt is committed to ensuring the University’s graduates are job-ready upon graduation, and understanding STEM education is a ‘must’ for all initial teacher education students.

“This special tutorial for our pre-service K-6 teachers is a great opportunity for our students to learn from someone working in the industry, and has come at an ideal time following National Science Week 2019 (Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 August),” Dr Bannister said.

“Our pre-service teachers need to know about these STEM kits in order to be prepared for teaching in today’s classrooms.

“The success of STEM in schools relies on actively engaging students in authentic and challenging STEM learning experiences, and creating learning environments that foster innovation and creativity.

“By developing curiosity and knowledge of STEM disciplines, students make connections and see the relevance for future career pathways.”

Dr Bannister will introduce Mr Childs to explain the NSW Department of Education’s STEM kit to her students in her tutorial from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 20 August in room 201, building 1401 at Charles Sturt in Bathurst.

The Charles Sturt initial teacher education course curriculum supports the National STEM School Education Strategy 2016-2026.

“Its two strategic goals are to (1) ensure all students finish school with strong foundational knowledge in STEM and related skills, and (2) ensure that students are inspired to take on more challenging STEM subjects.”

Dr Bannister explained that to ensure the delivery of quality STEM education for all students, the NSW Department of Education and Charles Sturt are:

• raising expectations and enhancing the quality of student learning in STEM
• fostering quality teaching and leadership in STEM
• using innovative ways of delivering STEM education.

Find more information about the STEM kits: https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/stem-kits-bring-a-new-level-of-cool-to-schools

Find more information about the NSW Department of Education info on STEM curriculum: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/key-learning-areas/stem