SRC STEM Summer Attachment Programme draws strong participation from rural teachers

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Scientific Research Council’s (SRC) push to bring practical science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education beyond the urban area is gaining momentum, with rural teachers accounting for 83 per cent of participants in its Summer Attachment Programme this year. Now in its fourth year, the Summer Attachment Programme is a four-day professional development programme designed to strengthen teachers’ ability to deliver practical, student-centred STEM lessons. The programme has grown since its inception, from 17 teachers in its inaugural year to 240 educators participating this year from all 14 parishes.

Eighty-three per cent of this year’s participants came from rural schools. Ninety per cent were first-time participants, while 55 per cent came from secondary schools and 45 per cent from primary schools. Charah Watson, executive director of the SRC, said the strong participation from rural schools is important, given the resource challenges often faced by these institutions such as limited access to laboratories and equipment.

She said the programme seeks to help address some of these disparities faced by rural teachers by providing access to practical STEM experiences, professional development and exposure to science-based institutions. “Children should not be limited based on their geographic location, based on their circumstances. You want to provide equal opportunity to all,” Watson said.

The programme equipped teachers with practical, inquiry-based teaching strategies that encourage students to become more curious, analytical, collaborative and confident problem-solvers. Educators also participated in a blended model consisting of virtual seminars, educational tours, face-to-face practical workshops, collaborative lesson design and inquiry-based STEM activities. Watson said the growing interest in the programme is an indication that teachers recognise the value of the training, even though they participate voluntarily and are not currently receiving continuing education credits.

“This programme is something that teachers volunteer a week of their time to fulfill some learning desire, advance their skillset, or to better equip them to go back in the classroom. Outside of the professional development, they are not getting any fringe benefit, per se. They are not getting continuing education credits.