Kathryn Booth from Pearson Middle East talks to Edarabia about inspiring a love of STEM among the younger generation. STEM Education—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is the key to mold future students to perform well in a knowledge-based and competitive economy. In order to help teachers explore strategies for increasing learner engagement in this important field, Pearson Middle East organized the “Discover STEM” schools conference on 4-5th November 2018. The event welcomed more than 200 professionals from educational departments and schools from across the UAE to discuss future-oriented education.

Discover STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) Schools Conference is an annual conference held by Pearson. Can you tell us more about the objectives of the conference?

The objectives of the conference are to explore the importance of engaging young people in STEM subjects, to equip them with the skills they need for further study or employment. As the world’s leading learning company, we are excited to use forums, such as this conference, to help teachers explore strategies for increasing learner engagement in this important field.

Why do you think promoting a love for STEM is essential in today’s education landscape? How does Pearson echo this objective?

Encouraging a love for STEM is important as today’s learners are tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, who will help solve the great challenges humanity faces, such as climate change. However, the skills learners gain from a STEM education is important for everyone, not just those who will go on to STEM careers, to succeed in an information-based and highly technological society. Pearson is committed to STEM education through a suite of up-to-date STEM qualifications, that reflect the modern world, both purely academic and also vocational in nature. Our resources through K12 and Higher Education aim to inspire a love for STEM.

In your opinion, what can teachers do to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers?

Teachers can encourage learners through bringing a real-life context to the STEM programme in schools to show how their learning relates to the world around them. Dr Rana Dajani’s talk at our conference discusses this very point, and has some great ideas for promoting engagement.

In the UAE, women in STEM roles almost triple the global standard. What can other countries learn from the UAE in terms of promoting STEM?

We’re proud as Pearson Middle East to deliver the qualifications and resources that form the foundations of learners going into STEM careers. We’re especially proud that so many girls go into STEM careers here in the UAE.