Remodelling STEM education using onscreen tools to teach practical science in Ghana

Cullen, Jane; Addae-Kyeremeh, Eric; Murphy, Kerry and Biard, Olivier (2021). Remodelling STEM education using onscreen tools to teach practical science in Ghana. In: Ghana National Education Week (NEW) 2021 - Reimagining Education for National Transformation, 28/09/21-01/10/21, Online.

URL: https://nacca.gov.gh/?p=10555

Abstract

Africa’s transition to an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy could drive the continent’s economic growth and lift millions out of poverty and there is opportunity to increase the number of skilled professionals across the chemistry, biology and physics disciplines. However, not enough students enrol in science subjects in Higher Education in Ghana, with proportions admitted to public universities well short of the Government’s 60% target. Significant barriers for all young people include the lack of practical scientific equipment in schools, and barriers to young women include prevailing socio-cultural attitudes, a lack of female role models and unsupportive educational environments. To address these constraints The Open University UK and the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) Ghana, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Ghana are developing the OpenSTEM Africa (OSA) programme to support work already begun by CENDLOS to bring ICT-based learning and teaching to Senior High Schools through their pioneering iBox and iCampus. OpenSTEM Africa is a framework for improving science education in Africa, with the co-development of appropriate learning and teaching materials including curriculum-relevant interactive onscreen science experiments, gender sensitive teaching and learning materials, female role modelling, and a school teacher and teacher leadership programme that will support the delivery and sustainability of improved ICT-based science education which is scalable to national level.