QU faculty stress importance of STEM to national development

Doha, Qatar: Qatar University (QU)’s scientific magazine has published an article shedding light on the crucial role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in building the nation’s capacities.

Authored by Dr. Fatma Kayan Fadlelmula from the Core Curriculum Program at the Deanship of General Studies, and Dr. Abdellatif Sellami, the Director of the Educational Research Center at the College of Education, the article examines the evolving landscape of STEM education in Qatar and its significance in shaping the country’s future.

The article emphasizes the transformation of teaching methodologies in STEM education. With advancements in educational technologies and a deeper understanding of student learning patterns, teacher-centered approaches are being replaced by student-centered strategies. These innovative approaches include open-ended problems, interactive games, online tools, and collaborative activities that stimulate scientific thinking, foster conceptual understanding, and boost academic performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of STEM education. The agility and expertise displayed by STEM professionals during the pandemic highlighted the critical need for STEM knowledge and skills. Nations across the globe have realized that a robust foundation in STEM fields is indispensable for effectively addressing unforeseen emergencies. This realization has reinforced the importance of equipping citizens, especially youth, with STEM education to ensure readiness for any future crisis.

Despite the growing recognition of STEM’s significance, Qatar faces challenges in optimizing STEM education. Standardized international assessments reveal that students in the country lag behind in mathematics and science. These challenges are rooted in a variety of factors, including cultural stereotypes, contextual influences, teacher-related aspects, and student attitudes. The article highlights the need to address these barriers to ensure that Qatar’s youth can fully engage in STEM fields and contribute to the nation’s development.

The authors of the article emphasize the need for educational reforms that prioritize STEM education. With a substantial portion of Qatar’s population under 20 years old and a demand for skilled young professionals, STEM education holds the key to the country’s sustainable development and transformation into a knowledge-based society. While there have been efforts to improve STEM education, indicators suggest that more needs to be done to produce graduates with the essential STEM skills and knowledge.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges to STEM education. Both students and teachers had to adapt to remote learning, which posed difficulties in maintaining regular schedules and staying connected with classmates and instructors.

However, the transition also highlighted the resilience of students and educators in embracing technology and digital tools for continued learning.