QU ExxonMobil STEM Teacher Academy session concludes

The Qatar University ExxonMobil STEM Teacher Academy (Questa) has concluded in Doha, thanks to the collaborative efforts and partnership of co-hosts the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), the National Educational Development Centre (NEDC) at Qatar University’s College of Education, and ExxonMobil Qatar.The academy’s closing ceremony was held at QU’s College of Education on December 5. Academic Affairs vice-president Dr Ibrahim al-Kaabi, College of Education dean Dr Asma al-Attiyah, MoEHE’s Education Guidance Department director Maryam al-Emadi, Curriculum and Learning Resources Department director Sarah al-Shraim, Teach for Qatar CEO Nasser al-Jaber, ExxonMobil Qatar’s vice-president and public and government affairs manager Rashid al-Hajri, other officials and education experts were present.Questa represents a crucial transformative step forward in STEM education in Qatar, aiming at enhancing students’ outcomes in scientific subjects, a statement said Saturday. Since its inception in 2012 under the name Qatar University ExxonMobil Teachers Academy (Quemta), the academy has been restructured to align with the vision and goals of the MoEHE and its 2024-2030 strategy, "Igniting the Spark of Learning,” which seeks to enhance and modernise Qatar’s national curriculum.Questa brings together teachers from across Qatar, equipping them with innovative instructional practices and strategies for teaching and learning STEM through science and math curricula. This initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, which aim to increase the percentage of STEM graduates from 10% to 18%, fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and promoting innovation in the country.Questa’s educational journey for teachers spans two phases. The first, held in November 2024, comprised a comprehensive series of training workshops totalling 42 hours, led by NEDC. These interactive sessions aimed to deepen teachers’ understanding of the integrative STEM approach, equipping them with essential skills and teaching practices to foster classroom implementation. The second phase will focus on field training during the second semester of the academic year 2024-2025, allowing teachers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired directly in their classrooms, supported through individual mentoring sessions by NEDC to enhance teachers’ self-efficacy.This year, 60 teachers from Grades 7-8 across 30 preparatory schools in Qatar participated in the academy, including 10 teachers from Teach For Qatar. Participants explored effective methods for planning and implementing various STEM projects, including engineering design processes, project-based learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. Additionally, they gained skills in planning STEM lessons and projects, assessing their students effectively, and engaging students in the learning process."We’re pleased to have held a highly productive academy with our partners, bringing together a powerful platform to enrich STEM education for teachers and students alike,” said al-Hajri.MoEHE’s assistant undersecretary for educational affairs, Maha al-Ruwaili said such partnerships are essential to the ministry’s mission of developing a generation that is equipped with STEM skills and capable of driving the nation’s progress through innovation.Prof al-Attiyah said Questa reflects the NEDC’s commitment to improving the quality of education, empowering teachers, and fostering innovation. It plays a key role in building professional learning communities that will ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of education in Qatar.Al-Jaber, said: "As we conclude the 10th edition of the Qatar University ExxonMobil STEM Teacher Academy, we cannot but commend the extensive training and interactive experience that the academy provides to the Fellows and alumni of Teach For Qatar, hoping to continue our joint efforts to offer high-quality training activities in teaching and leadership,” he added.Since its inception in 2012, experts and specialists at NEDC have contributed to shaping the academy. These science and mathematics experts have played a vital role in designing and delivering the programme to empower teachers at over 50 schools. To date, the academy has trained over 500 teachers, empowering them to deliver high-quality STEM education that has inspired a passion for science in more than 20,000 students across Qatar’s primary and secondary schools.