ID :
346003
Tue, 10/28/2014 - 12:19
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QU Event Boosts Educators' Science Teaching Methods

Doha, October 28 (QNA) - Twenty teachers and vice-principals from independent schools in Qatar boosted their teaching skills at a summer training programme on energy and the environment held at the University of Cyprus. Qatar University (QU) conducted the programme under its project 'Qatar Energy Education Institute' funded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), QU said Tuesday. Dr Mohamed Zayed from QU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Physics Programme and Dr Roger Hinrichs from the State University of New York at Oswego led the project. Director of the Learning in Science Group Professor Costas Constantiniou hosted the ten-day training programme. Experts and researchers from College of the North Atlantic Qatar and Seattle Pacific University in the US attended the programme that included a series of lectures, lab-based training, group activities, visits to a solar cell testing facility and a wind farm. Teachers watched a laser show by laser and holography specialist Tom Altman who introduced them to a variety of interesting science experiments for the classroom. Presenters updated attendees on developments in energy and environment. They participated in discussions on issues related to the science curriculum in Qatari schools and on methods for developing a more engaging inquiry-based teaching of scientific subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Programme leaders presented a proposal for creating a school-based pilot centre for scientific inquiry and effective strategies for enhancing lab-based activities in schools. Commenting on the programme, Dr Zayed said, "Educators from Qatar's independent schools gained more insight into effective teaching of science subjects and making them more attractive to students to build their knowledge and skills. This is to promote science literacy from an early age to develop students' potential as the next generation of scientists and researchers in Qatar." The training programme in Cyprus followed the success of last year's summer school held in Istanbul. A series of workshops, with focus on industrial applications of energy, planned in Qatar will complement it. Qatar University will host a conference on energy education next year, the university said. (QNA)

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