Public schools in Ga West to take practical STEM lessons at a private school - STEM Ga West co-ordinator

The Ga West coordinator of STEM, Justice Amewugah, speaking on behalf of Victor Noye Tawiah, the Director of the Ga West Education Directorate, explained that teachers have chosen abstract teaching over practical teaching due to the non-availability of equipment.

According to him, the requirement of the new curriculum, if met, would have afforded learners the luxury of manipulating materials in the laboratory.

He noted that the new curriculum was carefully curved to enable the learner to physically feel the material and reflect on it for better appreciation and understanding, but is being impeded by the incessant lack of state-of-the-art equipment.

That notwithstanding, the Ga West STEM Coordinator expressed optimism based on Victor Tawiah's initiative.

"Mr. Victor Tawiah's arrangements to schedule all 46 public schools within the municipality to periodically experience practical learning at the Crystal Height International School laboratory are gradually enlightening learners. Crystal Heights International School is also in the Ga West municipality and has all the equipment for teaching and learning the STEM program," he added.

He said robotics, chemistry, physics, biology, and computer lab facilities are available at Crystal Heights International School for the public schools in the municipality to take their practical lessons.

Though he was hopeful that learners possess the ability to perform well, the unavailability of the equipment in public schools is impeding the process.

He stressed that in the era of AI, coupled with the new curriculum, the emphasis is on doing.

He disclosed further that the municipal director has initiated processes to purchase equipment as per the available resources.

He reiterated that the students must be encouraged to discover solutions through hands-on experiences to foster true understanding.

He furthers his call by urging parents to foster the curiosity of their children, encouraging them to ask questions while helping them cultivate their critical thinking skills.