Five science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers in Qatar and their schools have received 3D printers from Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq) and Maersk Oil Qatar for use in classrooms to enhance student learning and capacity building.
Winning teachers include Abdullah Tarkhan (Alnoor Institute), Abhilasha Panwar (Amna Bint Wahab Secondary School), Michele Gaddy (Awsaj Academy), Sameh Sheta (Doha Independent Secondary School for Boys) and Nour Haswani (Al Bayan Independent Preparatory School for Girls).
The 3D printers were awarded through competitive grant applications from attendees of a recent professional development workshop, the Engineering Leaders Professional Development Symposium for Teachers, during which 40 STEM teachers from across Qatar learned how to integrate 3D printing in classrooms.
The three-day workshop trained teachers how to implement 3D printing in classroom curricula towards integrated STEM learning and enrichment programmes for after-school programmes. The workshops were open to all preparatory and secondary school teachers, and taught software and hardware skills to support teaching with 3D printing.
The workshops were part of the Dhia: Engineering Leaders partnership between Tamuq and Maersk Oil Qatar. Dhia delivers strategic educational outreach programmes to motivate young Qataris to choose educational pathways for careers in fields related to STEM and supports both teachers and students through a broad portfolio of programmes and workshops.
Dr Johannes Strobel, lead facilitator for the workshops and an internationally recognised researcher in the field of STEM education, said, “I am impressed by the enthusiasm of the teachers and more so by their ideas on how to integrate 3D printing in different subject areas such as mathematics, biology, physics and ICT.”
Dr César O Malavé, dean of Tamuq, said teacher professional development was an essential component of the branch campus’ academic outreach efforts to support human and social development toward the Qatar National Vision 2030.