Inspiring students' thinking and creativity in the digital age

STEM 1 — A STEM lesson taught by Mr. Truong Cong Cuong. Photo: HO QUAN

Passion for STEM

Before being appointed Vice Principal of Quang Nam Academy International Bilingual School in 2022, Mr. Truong Cong Cuong had 11 years of teaching Physics at Phan Boi Chau High School (Huong Tra Ward). To improve his skills, he studied for a master's degree in STEM education and completed the program in just 1.5 years, 6 months shorter than the regulation. He became the valedictorian of the course, successfully defending his thesis with excellent results.

In 2024, he was awarded the Phan Chau Trinh Award for outstanding master's degree by the People's Committee of Tam Ky city, Quang Nam province (formerly). “I have a great passion for science and technology. When studying for my master's degree, I was fortunate to receive valuable experience from experts. Therefore, I want to widely spread STEM education , helping people have a correct view of this learning method. At the same time, develop capacity and promote creative thinking for students in the area,” Mr. Cuong shared.

STEM 6 — Portrait of teacher Truong Cong Cuong. Photo: HO QUAN

According to him, STEM has been researched by the Ministry of Education and Training and leading experts since 2012 and officially included in the curriculum at secondary and high schools since 2020, and at primary schools since 2023. This is a method of equipping knowledge and skills, integrating many subjects such as science, technology, engineering, math, physics, chemistry, etc. However, many teachers are still confused in designing lesson plans. In the city, the application of this method is mainly limited to the form of STEM festivals or STEM clubs.

“Many teachers and parents think that STEM is expensive and only suitable for boys and high school students. In fact, STEM can be flexibly applied to all ages, including kindergarten. The important thing is to organize it in accordance with local conditions and the capacity of teachers and learners. The core of STEM is not in the final product, but in the ability to apply knowledge in practice,” said Mr. Cuong.

STEM 3 — Students use simple materials and apply the knowledge they have learned to create smart home STEM products. Photo: HO QUAN

For example, with just used water cans, cardboard, rubber bands or balloons, students can make cars that run on wind or thrust. These are all knowledge that they have learned and can be applied in practice. “STEM has many different levels, which can be integrated into lessons or organized into experiential programs and competitions between groups after 4-5 lessons. At a higher level, during a semester or mid-term, students can create products from the knowledge they have learned. Wrong products are also an opportunity for students to gain experience and develop their abilities,” the teacher shared.

[VIDEO] - Nguyen Hoang Thien Phuc shares about STEM products made from applying the knowledge he learned:

STEM in the AI Era

According to Mr. Cuong, in the context of strong AI development, STEM teaching and learning is more suitable. Gen Z students have access to technology from an early age, equipped with computer and programming knowledge from primary school. Notably, the demand for high-quality human resources is increasing, requiring education to innovate. "STEM will help students improve their critical thinking, problem solving, self-study skills, teamwork and career orientation. This is the basis for them to adapt to all different learning and working environments and conditions in the future," he said.

In fact, there are still many teachers who are “afraid” of technology. Many STEM models have been invested in schools but have not been effective due to a lack of human resources to operate them. “In the AI era, if teachers do not regularly update, they will easily fall behind,” said Mr. Cuong.

STEM 2 — Physics knowledge learned is applied to STEM products. Photo: HO QUAN

Currently, Mr. Cuong is the co-founder of the QN STEAM Life Skills Education Center - one of the few private units in the city that specializes in training using STEM and AI methods. He also participated in the research group of the Ministry of Education and Training chaired by Associate Professor, Dr. Tuong Duy Hai, lecturer at Hanoi National University of Education, with the topic of integrating AI and STEM in teaching. In addition, he is regularly invited by the city's education sector to attend forums, share experiences on STEM and AI with teachers; serve as a judge for STEM competitions and select teams to participate in science and technology innovation competitions.

[VIDEO] - Master Truong Cong Cuong shares about applying STEM education methods in the digital age:

Mr. Cuong added that STEM also needs to adapt to the strong development of AI, thereby setting higher requirements for learners. In fact, right at the primary and secondary school levels, many students have been able to design their own automatic robots - a typical product of the combination of STEM and AI. In the process, they have applied a synthesis of knowledge of mathematics, physics, information technology, programming, etc. into practice, demonstrating outstanding creativity.

AI not only supports students but also becomes a powerful tool for teachers in designing programs. However, Mr. Cuong also noted that both teachers and students need to take an active role in generating ideas, and should not rely on AI for their ideas. Only then will the combination of STEM and AI truly demonstrate its value, contributing to the formation of a generation of students with a solid knowledge foundation and creative thinking, adapting to the digital age.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/khoi-nguon-tu-duy-sang-tao-cho-hoc-sinh-trong-ky-nguyen-so-3299574.html