Bridging the Gap - Connecting science education with the real world Friday, 09 September 2016

Flinders University has recently commenced research aiming to improve the interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) amongst high-school students, through a pilot project involving student teacher training. The project is a joint initiative involving the university, government (Department of State Development, Department of Education and Child Development), industry and high schools.

“In addition to introducing student teachers to different aspects of the engineering profession, they will gain a greater understanding of the way science and mathematics can be harnessed to solve human problems,” said Niki Robinson, Engineers Australia South Australia President 2016.

“I encourage our engineering companies to put their hands up to be involved in this program.

“One of the best ways to encourage the next generation of engineers is to educate our educators. Exposing student teachers to the vast array of problems engineers work on will also help shatter the stereotypically male-dominated image of engineering,” said Ms Robinson.

The initiative involves student teachers observing the application of STEM skills within industry so they can become better equipped to encourage participation in STEM subjects throughout their teaching careers. Flinders University is seeking industries’ help to provide two visits of four hours each by up to three students to selected industry sites in October 2016.

What is the benefit for industry?

The student teacher will identify where STEM skills are being used in your industry, learn about the types of problems your industry faces that STEM skills can help solve, and ultimately connect a research scientist to an identified industry problem. The student teacher will be assisted by expert mentors from Flinders University, in particular Flinders Partners who are an innovation catalyst, linking researchers, businesses, and connecting problems with solutions, and research scientists from Flinders University, who have experience in working with industry.

To take part Flinders would appreciate your help in providing a suitable contact point within your business, ideally someone who could assist with brokering the two site visits and introducing the students to a STEM professional staff member.

You can find out more about the project by visiting www.bridgingthegap.edu.au This website will act as a portal available to you throughout the research project, and with your own secure login you will see additional documents regarding the results of your participation, and the student teacher – research scientist preliminary analysis of an agreed upon issue requiring a STEM-based solution within your workplace.

To enquire further please contact project officer Aiden Cornelius-Bell on 8201 3480 or at [email protected]