A group of 24 enthusiastic undergraduates from the College of Science recently participated in the STEM Education Student Teaching Scheme, aimed at enriching their teaching skills while inspiring the next generation of scientists. Since its launch in 2023, the Scheme has fostered an environment where our undergraduates can share their knowledge and passion for STEM with local secondary school students, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical understanding.

Among the participants was Halvin CHENG, a Year 2 chemistry student who shared, “This was my second time participating in the Scheme. It was a fabulous opportunity to enrich my experience in teaching. Despite my previous roles as a PALSI leader and a tutor, teaching a large class of over 30 students required an entirely different approach. I learned that prioritizing classroom management is crucial for ensuring effective teaching, even more than the delivery of content itself.”

 

Another participant, Ata Ul Haleem DAMANIK, a Year 3 physics student in the Global Research Enrichment and Technopreneurship (GREAT) stream, highlighted the rewarding aspects of the Scheme. “The strongest moments came when a student lit up with understanding after we broke down a problem together. One of our biggest challenges was making abstract concepts tangible. We used simple, available materials for hands-on experiments and conducted interactive games to demonstrate scientific principles.”

Ata emphasized the core of effective STEM education: “It’s about nurturing curiosity and creative problem-solving, not just rote memorization. This experience reinforced my belief that we must make these subjects accessible and engaging to everyone. I strongly encourage my peers to get involved. Our unique perspectives are vital in inspiring the next generation of innovators, and this initiative is a meaningful way to shape the future.”