We are proud to celebrate the success of the recent STEM Teacher Workshop, titled "Hands-on Activities and Technology in Science Education," held on September 27 and 28, 2024. This transformative event brought together 24 science teachers from Kaski and Syangja, representing 24 different government high schools. The workshop aimed to strengthen educators' skills in integrating robotics, technology, and interactive teaching methods into their classrooms. By directly engaging these teachers, CESAR has reinforced its commitment to advancing science education in Nepal, focusing on innovation, practical skills, and sustainable development.
Building on this momentum, we are already planning another workshop in Nawalpur and Tanahun, with a similar program designed to enhance STEM teaching further. We aim to extend these impactful initiatives to other districts shortly, continuing our mission to empower educators and foster a new generation of scientifically engaged students across Nepal.
The workshop was a collaborative effort involving the Science Teachers' Association of Nepal (STAN) and Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology (GPAST). Among the facilitators, Dr. Prayan Pokharel and Mr. Dinesh Mani Bhandari, both esteemed members of CESAR, played pivotal roles in the event's success. Their expertise in scientific education and technology integration enriched the participants' learning experience and highlighted CESAR's direct involvement in driving educational reform.
Dr.
Prayan Pokharel
Dr. Prayan Pokharel, a scientist with extensive research experience in natural science and science communication, led a vital session on "Science Writing in STEM Education." He highlighted the critical role that effective scientific writing plays in both teaching and learning, particularly in fostering clear communication of complex scientific concepts. Recognizing that traditional curricula often overlook the importance of this skill, Dr. Pokharel provided participants with practical strategies to structure reports, write hypothesis-driven essays, and interpret data systematically and meaningfully.
Participants discuss
and write their scientific texts.
During the session, teachers learned how to guide students in documenting experiments accurately by mastering the essential components of scientific writing, including protocols, logbooks, and lab reports. Dr. Pokharel also emphasized the value of well-organized paragraph structure and clarity in conveying findings. By integrating these skills into their teaching, educators can ensure that students understand science concepts and effectively communicate their practical exercises and discoveries. Through interactive exercises, participants practiced writing well-structured paragraphs and reports, improving their ability to help students avoid common grammar mistakes and enhance the clarity and quality of their scientific writing. This hands-on approach ensured teachers left the workshop equipped to empower their students to present scientific knowledge clearly and professionally.
Mr. Dinesh Mani
Bhandari
Meanwhile, Mr. Dinesh Mani Bhandari, an educator dedicated to integrating technology into classrooms, led an engaging session introducing participants to the foundational concepts of robotics, such as sensors, actuators, and coding logic. He emphasized how these components can be applied to enhance students' learning experiences in educational settings. Mr. Bhandari provided hands-on training, guiding teachers through building a line-following robot. This practical activity allowed educators to see firsthand the importance of incorporating robotics into the classroom. It demonstrated how it can ignite students' curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and make STEM subjects more interactive and exciting.
Mr.
Dinesh Mani Bhandari conducts hands-on training for teachers on robotics.
CESAR's Commitment to Education
CESAR has long been a leader in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental research. However, its commitment extends beyond research and into the education sector, where it works directly with teachers to enhance STEM education. Through partnerships with organizations like STAN and GPAST, CESAR is actively involved in equipping educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to foster innovation in their classrooms. The recent workshop is one of many initiatives where CESAR has taken a hands-on approach, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators.
By focusing on practical applications, group discussions, and interactive demonstrations, CESAR ensures that its programs are informative and actionable. Teachers who attend these workshops leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate robotics, technology, and innovative teaching practices into their lesson plans. This empowers them to make science more engaging and accessible, ultimately fostering a greater interest in STEM subjects among students.
Feedback and Future Prospects
The impact of this workshop was clear from the participants' feedback. Teachers expressed immense gratitude for the hands-on nature of the sessions, particularly those involving robotics. Many remarked that these tools will significantly enhance their ability to engage students in real-world science applications, making learning more interactive and exciting. However, some challenges, such as limited access to technology in certain schools, remain a barrier to full implementation. CESAR is committed to addressing these issues by working closely with local schools and educators providing ongoing support and resources.
As CESAR continues its journey of fostering innovation in education, the contributions of members like Dr. Prayan Pokharel and Mr. Dinesh Mani Bhandari are vital in shaping a brighter, more innovative future for science education in Nepal. By working directly with teachers and empowering them with the latest tools and methods, CESAR is helping build a strong foundation for the future of STEM in Gandaki Province and beyond.
A
group photo after the event