Mentoring girls towards STEM

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Presenter : Peter M Ndiritu

Institution : Mt Kinangop girls secondary school.

Date : 23^rd July, 2025

1. Changing girls attitude towards STEM

The fun theory : People are more likely to do something if it’s fun.

2. Rural STEM based school models

• Rural STEM based senior schools need more resources such as ;

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• Textbooks
• Laboratory equipment
• Computers for ICT learning

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• This makes it difficult for teachers to provide students with the necessary tools to learn STEM effectively.

3. The 7E’s model

4. Developing Competencies :

Written communication

Challenge : Writing involves cognition, brainstorming, planning, outlining, organizing and drafting and it demands a lot of time for thinking and reflection on the area of study.

Oral communication.

Factors such as anxiety, lack of confidence and limited practicing opportunities can impede development of oral communication.

Communication and Collaboration skills in learning STEM

5. Strategies

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https://www.youtube.com/@mtkinangopgirlssecondarysc246

Achievements so far : Over 2000 girls reached since inception in 2018.

• Using locally available resources.
• knowledge and skills learnt will be helpful in making learners more adaptable and competitive in future

1. Science week

2. Project based learning

In Project Based Learning (PBL) method students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.

This helps them make connections of what they learn in class to the outside world.

3. STEM Boot Camps

STEM boot camps are intensive, short-term training programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. They provide hands-on learning experiences and equip participants with skills in areas like coding, robotics, AI, and 3D printing. These camps aim to inspire students to pursue STEM careers, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and foster innovation. 

6. Recommendation

Policy :

To increase funding to enhance the quality & quantity of infrastructure in schools necessary for supporting STEM education, in particular STEM pathway in senior schools.

Practice :

Professional development of teachers on pedagogical approaches that nurture communication & collaboration among learners such as Project Based Learning

Research :

Implementation of action research and lesson study at school level and clusters through formation of community of practice in STEM education.