Millennium Foundation held a two-day conference summarizing the STEM Mentors Course project, hosted by Kutaisi International University.
The results of the project and STEM projects created within the project were presented at the event. Information about STEM programs supported by the US Government Millennium Challenge Corporation II Compact and Kutaisi International University educational programs were provided to the attendees. The participants of the conference got information about Sakpatenti's activities on promoting innovation. On the last day of the conference, the invited guests discussed the challenges of STEM education in Georgia.
"STEM mentors' training course was organized by Millennium Foundation for a year, during which teachers learned how to strengthen the teaching of innovation in schools by using ARDUIONO kits and various new technologies. As a result of the project, we have several STEM clubs established in various public schools in Georgia and up to 40 trained teachers who can teach students new technologies and increase their interest in science, engineering and innovation," - said Magda Magradze, Executive Director of Millennium Foundation.
Millennium Foundation launched the STEM Mentors Course project in October 2021 with the financial support from the US Embassy in Georgia. The aim of the project was to improve the quality of teaching in the sciences, engineering technology and math (STEM) and to introduce teachers to modern teaching methodologies. 40 teachers from all regions of Georgia were selected from 450 applicants to participate in the project.
"I am very pleased to be attending this conference on STEM Mentoring Program organized by the Millennium Foundation, on behalf of the US Embassy. The significant work has been carried out throughout Georgia within this project and we are glad to have such an interesting result within our partnership. The project will develop overall STEM skills among students, as well as increase their interest in STEM disciplines across the country, " - said Catherine Schweitzer, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Georgia.
The event was attended by STEM teachers participating in the project, the representatives of Millennium Foundation, the US Embassy, Kutaisi International University, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, the National Center for Teacher Professional Development and other stakeholders.
During the six-month online course, the participants learnt how to design and construct educational STEM project and the basics of state-of-the-art digital technology and computer programming using the opensource computer platform ARDUINO. All participants also received the necessary equipment for STEM training - ARDUINO Kits, which helped them to better master the course, and after completing the course, continue to use the device with students in the classroom.
As a result of the project, the STEM teachers have established STEM clubs in their schools (in Gori, Kutaisi, Tsageri, Ozurgeti, Kareli, Akhaltsikhe, Batumi, Telavi, Gurjaani, Dmanisi, Khashuri, Kaspi, Tbilisi, Zestaponi and Ninotsminda schools) which aims to increase interest in STEM subjects and develop new innovative projects in these disciplines.
