Empowering Educators: STEM Workshop Held in Shillong to Inspire Future Innovators

Smart Village Movement, September 23, 2024

On 23rd September 2024, Smart Village Movement (SVM), in collaboration with the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, organized a one-day STEM workshop at St. Edmund’s College, Shillong. The workshop aimed to equip over 100 teachers from Shillong and nearby areas with innovative teaching techniques in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), focusing on hands-on learning and inquiry-based approaches.

The event, titled “Mobilising Science and Technology-Based Learning for Schools,” introduced teachers to dynamic pedagogical methods such as interactive science projects, app-based simulations, and hands-on mathematics. These tools are designed to foster curiosity and creativity among students, ensuring a more engaging and practical approach to STEM education.Key figures attending the event included Swapnil Tembe, IAS, Additional Secretary of the Education Department and Director of School Education & Literacy, Meghalaya, who served as the chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Collin Z. Renthlei, NECTAR Technical Advisor, and Dr. Chaitanya Mungi, STEM Ready Project Coordinator, IISER Pune.

This workshop marks the beginning of a larger initiative by SVM and NECTAR to establish a STEM Hub in Shillong—a space for students, teachers, and researchers to collaborate and tackle educational challenges, especially in rural areas. By empowering educators with these tools, the goal is to bridge the gap between urban and rural education, ensuring students across Meghalaya are prepared for the future.

This initiative is a key part of SVM’s broader mission to enhance education in rural areas. By fostering inquiry-based learning and curiosity-driven teaching, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields.